Cillian Murphy has addressed the future of his Peaky Blinders character Tommy Shelby after his historic Oscars Best Actor win on Sunday.
Once recognised primarily for his portrayal of the northern gangster in the BBC drama, the Irish star has garnered global praise for his role in Oppenheimer.
Speculation has circulated for months about a potential movie adaptation by creator Stephen Knight. However, Murphy has suggested that he might not reprise his role as Tommy Shelby in the future.
Asked whether he was happy to retire the character of Shelby, he said after Sunday’s ceremony: “I loved playing him.
“He was exhausting and so wildly different for me that each time going back was kind of a journey. I'm really not sentimental about work. I feel like the next thing is the most exciting thing.
“And I mean, it was a ten-year period in my life, so it is significant, but I always feel, like, let's keep moving.”
Previously, Murphy said he would be happy to reprise his role as Tommy Shelby if the series was adapted for the big screen.
Speaking on Desert Island Discs, he admitted he was “relieved” when the BBC drama ended in 2022 – but is now “totally” on board with a movie adaptation, alluding that Knight had more stories to tell about the Birmingham-based Shelby clan.
Murphy explained: “I have always said that if Knight delivers a script that I know he can deliver, because he is such a phenomenal writer, I'll be there.
“If we want to watch 50-year-old Tommy Shelby, let's do it.”
Murphy was awarded the Oscar for Best Actor for his performance in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer at the 96th Academy Awards. He became the first ever Irish-born star to win the coveted honour.
In his speech Murphy told the audience that he was “a very proud Irishman” and dedicated his win to “peacemakers everywhere” before signing off “Go raibh míle maith agaibh”, which translates to “a thousand thank yous” in Irish Gaelic.
