Cillian Murphy has starred in several notable movies, such as Christopher Nolan’s Inception and Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later, but nothing comes close to the fame of BBC’s Peaky Blinders. His role in the hit television series propelled him to stardom and even earned the Irish actor international recognition.
Murphy portrayed war veteran and gang leader Thomas Shelby. While the show has become a global success and even amassed a cult following, the actor believes the popularity ruined “human behavior.”
Cillian Murphy Talks About The Downside Of Peaky Blinders’ Fame
In his interview with Rolling Stone U.K., Cillian Murphy spoke about the repercussions of the fame following his iconic role in Peaky Blinders:
“It can ruin experiences, because it fetishizes everything: you can be walking down the street, and someone takes a picture like this is a fucking event. It kind of destroys nuance and human behavior, but that’s part and parcel of it.”
The 46–year-old star related how fame can be likened to commuting for someone to get to their destination:
“I think that’s the way the best people are: they’re not doing it for any other reason but love of the craft. They have a compulsion to make work, not to be famous or get attention.”
Speaking of fame, Murphy shared he doesn’t like going to parties or attending social events unless he is promoting movies. He values quality time with family and friends, and doesn’t like being followed by paparazzi:
“I don’t really partake. I don’t go out. I’m just at home mostly, or with my friends, unless I have a film to promote. I don’t like being photographed by people. I find that offensive.”
When asked what he thinks about women fantasizing about Tommy Shelby, the actor noted he is nothing like the character:
“I think it’s the Tommy Shelby thing. People expect this mysterious, swaggering… it’s just a character. I do feel people are a little bit underwhelmed. That’s fine, it means I’m doing my job. Peaky fans are amazing. But sometimes I feel a little sad that I can’t provide — like — that charisma and swagger. He couldn’t be further from me.”
Created by Steven Knight, Peaky Blinders premiered on September 2013 and spanned six seasons. A feature film is currently in the works, and when asked if he wanted to do one more Peaky Blinders project, Murphy heartily said, “If there’s more story there, I’d love to do it.”
Oppenheimer Is The Most Anticipated Film Of The Year
Cillian Murphy teams up once again with Christopher Nolan in Oppenheimer, an upcoming biopic film chronicling the life and works of Physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, the inventor of the atomic bomb.
The lead star confessed it was the best script he has ever read, which was told from the scientist’s point of view:
“I think it’s the best script I ever read. He wanted it to be solely from Oppenheimer’s perspective. And I think the film is sensational.”
The star-studded film includes Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, Rami Malek, Josh Hartnett, Kenneth Branagh, Gary Oldman, Goldwyn, Alex Wolff, Olivia Thirlby, Matthew Modine, and Dylan Arnold, among others.
Oppenheimer arrives in theaters on July 21, 2023.
Source: Rolling Stone U.K.
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