Why Cillian Murphy Wasn't Close With His Peaky Blinders Co-Stars

As the show wrapped up in 2022, Murphy shared his thoughts on the end of a decade-long journey. He noted that while he cherished the time spent with his co-stars, the reality of their filming schedule often left little room for socializing. With long hours on set and the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, it's clear that the environment influenced the dynamics among the cast members.

Cillian Murphy's Background and Rise to Fame

Murphy's journey into acting began in the late 1990s, but it was his role as Thomas Shelby that truly catapulted him into the spotlight. The series' unique setting and gripping storylines allowed Murphy to showcase his talent in ways he hadn't done before. However, stepping into such a physically and emotionally demanding role was not without its challenges.

In interviews, Murphy has expressed his initial hesitance about taking on the role of Shelby. He wasn't accustomed to portraying such a dominant and hyper-masculine character, having often played more sensitive roles in the past. Yet, he saw the potential in the material and committed to transforming himself for the part, which ultimately paid off in spades.

Limited Off-Screen Interactions Among Cast Members

Despite the intense bond formed during filming, Murphy revealed that the cast's off-screen interactions were minimal. He explained that the demanding filming schedule meant that they often spent up to 16 hours a day together. This left little opportunity for socializing outside of work. Murphy remarked, "We don’t tend to hang out socially when we aren’t shooting... that’s only because we see so much of each other when we work."

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic further complicated matters. With restrictions in place, the cast found it even more challenging to connect outside of their professional duties, making it difficult to build deeper friendships. Murphy's candidness highlights the reality that even in a close-knit environment like a film set, personal relationships can be affected by external circumstances.

Moreover, Murphy himself has a relatively private lifestyle. He doesn't seek out the limelight or engage in extravagant social events. His co-star, Sam Neill, noted, "Cillian's not silly... he does not splash his life around," emphasizing Murphy's focus on work and commitment to his craft.

A Special Bond with Helen McCrory

Among his co-stars, there was one actor with whom Murphy shared a particularly close bond: the late Helen McCrory, who played Polly Gray. Their on-set relationship was marked by mutual respect and a shared sense of humor. During a guest appearance on BBC Radio 1, Murphy fondly recalled how McCrory made him laugh and helped lighten the mood during intense scenes.

Sadly, McCrory passed away in 2021, which left a profound impact on Murphy. He expressed his grief over her loss, reflecting on the unique bond they had formed during their time together on "Peaky Blinders." Describing her as the heart of the show, Murphy stated, "She was magnificent, an absolutely magnificent person." This underlines the importance of their connection amidst the backdrop of a demanding filming schedule.

In conclusion, while Cillian Murphy's role in "Peaky Blinders" brought him immense fame, it also highlighted the complexities of on-set relationships. His limited interactions with co-stars, shaped by rigorous work hours and external factors like the pandemic, reveal that even in a collaborative environment, personal connections can sometimes take a backseat. However, the cherished bond with McCrory serves as a poignant reminder of the meaningful relationships that can develop, even within a hectic filming schedule.