As he reprises his role in the new film “Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man”, actor Cillian Murphy is reflecting on the global phenomenon of his character Tommy Shelby’s signature haircut.
Murphy first appeared as the crime boss in the hit TV series “Peaky Blinders” when it premiered in 2013.
The character's distinctive hairstyle, shaved on the sides with longer hair on top, an adaptation of an undercut, evolved into one of the most recognisable visual trademarks in television history.
The style, also worn by other members of the Shelby clan, has become synonymous with the franchise’s gritty identity.
Now at 49, Murphy reprises his role as Shelby in the film continuation of the story, which follows the events after the television series concluded in 2022.
In a new interview, Murphy reflected on how the hairstyle has taken on a life of its own worldwide.
"No, no, it's really humbling," Murphy said when asked whether he misses the haircut, adding, "I mean, it's really humbling to think that it's become such a phenomenon and that people all over the world, in Buenos Aires and Turkey and Mexico and everywhere, are watching the show. It's amazing."
Despite the haircut's popularity, Murphy previously admitted he was not initially fond of the look.
In an earlier interview, he explained that he generally avoids wearing wigs because they can look "phony," which meant he had to commit to the real haircut for the role.
Also read: ‘Peaky Blinders’ sequel series is officially happening
"I've gotten more tolerant of the haircut over the years," he said at the time, adding that it was surprising to see the style embraced by fashion circles.
"Bizarrely, it's become a desirable cut amongst the fashionistas, which is staggering to me. It's one more sign of how the show has infiltrated mainstream culture," he said.
Murphy also joked about the haircut during an earlier interview and described Shelby's hairstyle as "disgusting," before explaining that the historically inspired cut was believed to help prevent lice infestations.
The new film reunites several returning characters, including Ada (played by Sophie Rundle), Hayden Stagg (Stephen Graham), Charlie Strong (Ned Dennehy), Johnny Dogs (Packy Lee) and Curly (Ian Peck). New additions include Rebecca Ferguson as Kaulo and Tim Roth as John Beckett.
In the film, Shelby is living in hiding and writing a novel until his son Duke, played by Barry Keoghan, and a looming plot involving Nazi Germany pull him back into the world of the Peaky Blinders.
“Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man” is currently in theatres and will begin streaming on Netflix from March 20.
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