Cillian Murphy is among the most talented young actors in the industry, and he is ready to showcase his natural skills in his upcoming film, Oppenheimer. But, the actor had established his name, way before he was cast in Christopher Nolan’s film. The actor got his career-defining role with the television series Peaky Blinders. He played the character of Thomas “Tommy” Shelby in the show, however, the British actor was not the first choice of the director.
Cillian Murphy shared about his audition for a role in Peaky Blinders and revealed about being second choice for the titular character.
Cillian Murphy almost lost his role to Jason Statham in Peaky Blinders
During the casting phase of Thomas Shelby, the show’s director had two actors in mind, Cillian Murphy and Jason Statham. In an interview with Esquire, he said that he was more inclined towards Statham because Murphy didn’t come across as the character when he first met Murphy. Statham had the perfect physique for the character.
As per his conversation with Entertainment Weekly, Cillian Murphy was doubtful if typecasting would cost him a great chance to play a titular role. He said,
“There was slight hesitation because I’d never really played that physically imposing sort of hyper-masculine type character. In fact, I’d probably played the opposite up to that point.”
At the time Murphy played a different type of role like a frail bike courier in 28 Days Later. He had also auditioned for the role of Bruce Wayne for Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins. Murphy shared with GQ that the director did not find him suitable for that role, but he cast him as Jonathan Crane aka the Scarecrow.
Also read- ‘Peaky Blinders’ Fans Hit a New Low When They Poked Fun at Cillian Murphy’s Appearance
Steven Knight reveals reason for changing his mind about Cillian Murphy
Steven Knight had shared in numerous interviews he was initially unsure about casting the Oppenheimer star, as he thought Murphy and Tommy were stark opposites. Murphy did not give the vibe of a person who was a gangster.
The producer-director later shared with Esquire that he became convinced by one message from the actor. Knight shared that Murphy recalled,
“Remember, I’m an actor.”
Knight shared that it was just the jolt that he needed to reconsider his casting decision. Murphy’s shared with EW,
“The thing about acting is you shouldn’t be limited. In this business, it can be slightly reductive. If you do one thing well once, the industry wants you to do that again and again and again. And it can be slightly myopic that way, but I’ve always tried to do the unexpected or play roles that are challenging so that you never get trapped in a career.”
Murphy’s portrayal of Thomas Shelby became a career-defining point. He proved to the world, he can portray roles beyond his general physicality. The actor will be next seen in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, which will release in theatres this weekend.
Also read- Cillian Murphy Does Not Regret Taking One Thing From Set After End of Peaky Blinders
Source- Slash Film
