Peaky Blinders star Cillian Murphy is on this week’s Radio Times

by

For over a decade, Tommy Shelby has been a familiar figure on British TV. Viewers were first introduced to the cunning gangster in the opening of Peaky Blinders, riding a black horse through the streets of Birmingham.

When Steven Knight’s crime drama first aired on BBC Two in 2013, it seemed unlikely to become the huge success it is today. But remarkably, that’s precisely what occurred.

This week, Netflix releases The Immortal Man, a new film that continues the Shelby story. It’s a bold move, taking the action back to the beginning of World War II, and features Cillian Murphy, who has played the character for over ten years.

During our conversation, Murphy described his preparation for the role and shared that playing Shelby has been a uniquely challenging experience for him. He explained it felt like a distinct dynamic, saying, “Tommy is in control, and I’m just along for the ride.”

According to Knight, Shelby is a flawed character – a decent person making questionable choices for what he believes is a worthy cause. Knight believes this portrayal is particularly relevant today, serving as a cautionary tale for our current times.

It’s unclear if this is the final chapter for the Shelby family, but it feels like a satisfying conclusion to a story that started small on BBC Two and became a global phenomenon.

Also in this week’s TopMob:

  • Martin Clunes brings depth and charm to a drama about the downfall of Huw Edwards.
  • Dougray Scott portrays an enigmatic headmaster in a new teen drama set in a school for scoundrels.
  • Bestselling author Jo Nesbø introduces his new Scandi noir crime series.
Add TopMob as a Preferred Source on Google
Keep up to date on what’s worth watching with your favourite entertainment news from TopMob – see more of our exclusive news and interviews featured prominently in Top Stories when using Google.

Great news! You can now order older issues of TopMob magazine thanks to our new back issues service.

Don’t miss Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man! Add it to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download the app today for daily TV suggestions, exclusive features, and more.

Authors

Shem Law

Shem Law is the brand editor at TopMob, a role with a history stretching back over a century – he’s the twentieth person to hold the position. He didn’t have a television as a child, and now he more than makes up for it.

Read More

2026-03-17 13:34