Peaky Blinders’ Protagonist Almost Had A Different Face

Before the first season of Peaky Blinders began production, Knight had an actor in mind who would be perfect to play the series’ protagonist. According to him, when he met with Cillian Murphy (44) and Jason Statham (52) in Los Angeles, his decision had been made simply because “Jason is Jason.”

In an interview with Esquire Magazine, the screenwriter said that when he saw Cillian in person, “he wasn’t Thomas Shelby.” What made him change his mind, however, was a message from the Irishman saying “remember, I’m an actor,” referring to how easily he can change his personality to suit a role.

The text message was essential in changing the course of Murphy’s career, who, in 2019, was considered to play the new agent 007 in the film “No Time to Die.”

Peaky Blinders was released on September 12, 2013 on BBC Two and has five seasons. Pre-production for its sixth season was postponed due to the new coronavirus pandemic and there is still no forecast for its return.

• This post was originally posted on the website Balaio Cósmico do Gato Caolho, which is no longer available, in 2020. You may check the original post clicking here.