“We Were Just Baking”: Cillian Murphy Reveals the Hidden Struggles Behind Peaky Blinders Season 4’s Fiery Shoot

For viewers of Peaky Blinders, the world of Thomas Shelby is one of shadowy alleys, cold fog, and the ever-present weight of postwar grit. But behind the perfectly tailored wool suits and icy stares lies a behind-the-scenes struggle that had little to do with gang warfare—and everything to do with the weather.

Cillian Murphy, who leads the series as the iconic Tommy Shelby, recently opened up about a surprising production challenge during Season 4: the heat. “We normally shoot during the winter but we shot series 4 during the summer for some scheduling reasons,” Murphy told Entertainment Weekly. “And we were baking. All of us were just baking.”

Peaky Blinders is celebrated for its meticulous historical accuracy, particularly its wardrobe—pure wool suits, vests, and coats layered on each character like armor from another era. Designed to reflect the style of 1920s Birmingham, these costumes add an undeniable weight and texture to the show’s visual tone. But when production for Season 4 began in March 2017 and extended deep into summer, that weight turned literal—and suffocating.

Wool, though authentic, is notoriously ill-suited for heat. The thick material retains warmth and lacks breathability, creating a stifling environment for actors filming under studio lights and summer sun. Murphy recalled how the cast was physically overwhelmed by the layers. “It was difficult shooting because it’s pure wool and layers of it. We like it nice and gloomy,” he noted, acknowledging how the seasonal shift clashed with the show’s moody visual identity.

Typically, Peaky Blinders films during colder months to support the show’s signature ambiance and ease the physical burden of its wardrobe. For instance, Season 3 wrapped filming in the dead of winter, finishing in January 2016—a more forgiving climate for actors suited head to toe in wool. The deviation in Season 4 was a stark contrast, and it showed.

Aside from the discomfort, the summer shoot may have subtly impacted the production itself. High temperatures can drain actors’ energy and require additional breaks or retakes, slowing momentum. Visually, longer daylight hours and brighter skies challenged the production team to maintain the dark, industrial tone audiences expect from the series. Set designers and cinematographers had to compensate creatively, relying heavily on lighting, filters, and shadowy compositions to mimic the overcast gloom of Birmingham’s postwar streets.

So why risk it? Like many television productions, Peaky Blinders is not immune to scheduling constraints. Cast and crew availability, location permits, and broadcast deadlines all played a role in pushing filming into summer. But the experience of Season 4 raised critical questions about the compromises required in modern TV production. How much discomfort should actors endure for the sake of authenticity? And where is the line between artistic vision and logistical necessity?

Season 4’s unusual schedule ultimately became a testament to the cast’s dedication—sweating it out in wool suits to maintain the illusion of a world forever caught in winter’s grip. Fans may never notice the sweat hidden beneath those iconic flat caps, but as Murphy revealed, the sacrifices behind the camera are just as gritty as the battles onscreen.