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Peaky Blindersis a show when one thinks about will always have Cillian Murphy popping up in their mind, however, it would be odd to think of Jason Statham in that position instead. The series has an iconic stance and Cillian Murphy’s fame only increases from then on. To have another actor take his place might be a peculiar thought, seeing just how well theOppenheimerstar fits in that role.
Thomas Shelby and Murphy go hand in hand. Having someone else take up that position might be an odd thought for the fans, but it almost became a reality. Ironically so, considering that theBatman Beginsstar was not even the first choice for the role. It was instead, Statham.
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Jason Statham Was First in Line to Play Thomas Shelby
When the question of who would take over the role of Thomas Shelby came into play, director Steven Knight had two actors in his mind. On one hand, he sawJason Stathamand on the other, he sawCillian Murphy. In an interview withthe Guardian, the actor addressed how he was not the first choice.
“There was a bit of convincing needed,”Murphy added. “Initially, there may have been some doubts about whether I had the requisite physicality, which I understand. I’m not the most physically imposing individual.”
Murphy admitted that there had been doubts about how well he could play the role because he did not exactly look the part physically. To be someone as intimidating as Thomas Shelby, Knight thought that Statham was a better fit for the role than theOppenheimerstar. The director found himself entranced by theTransporterstar and decided that it would be best to take them both out one day to make the picture clearer for himself and the two actors sitting in front of him. However, it was one text that managed to change everything.
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Cillian Murphy Got Creative with His Approach
When addressing the situation of how Steven Knight came to a decision, he admitted that it was difficult to picture Cillian Murphy as Thomas Shelby. Although he admitted that he let his own prejudice take over. Talking toEsquire, Knight revealed that a text changed his perspective completely.
“Cillian, when you meet him, isn’t Tommy, obviously, but I was stupid enough not to understand that. He sent me a text [later] saying, ‘Remember, I’m an actor,’ which is absolutely the thing, because he can transform himself.”
Murphy sent the director a text that hinted at how it was not exactly fair for him to lose the part just because he did not act like Thomas Shelby all the time. He shed light on how he was an actor and could transform into his character without any issue.
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Adya Godboley
Anime Content Manager
Articles Published :1879
Adya Godboley is the Anime Content Lead at FandomWire with over 1800 published articles. She is a Rotten Tomatoes-certified critic with a background in literature. From The Case Study of Vanitas to Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint, her anime knowledge is one she’s gathered with years of experience. She also enjoys Marvel, DC and Superhero media with her works having been recognized by prominent figures such as Dwayne Johnson, Abby Trott and the Blood of Zeus creators.
