‘Peaky Blinders’ Season 4 Expected to Begin Filming by March; Star Cillian Murphy Loves Acting but Isn’t Fond of Popularity, Talks Playing Tommy

‘Peaky Blinders’ season 4 is expected to begin filming by March 2017 as revealed by lead star Cillian Murphy. Meanwhile, the multi-award winning Irish actor revealed that although he loved acting, he wasn’t a fan of popularity. He also talked about playing the anti-hero Tommy for the BBC series.

According to Birmingham Mail, Murphy revealed that filming for season 4 of the popular British crime-drama television series is expected to begin my March next year. Although no official release date has been confirmed, season 4 may return to small screens sometime in October.

Meanwhile, Murphy admitted during a recent interview that although he loved acting, he wasn’t fond of the popularity that came with it. According to Luxury London, he said, “The work, I adore… And I’ll always have that passion for what I do, but it’s the other stuff that comes with it that I could do without. Of course, you realise the series or the film or the play you’re in is a product and that it needs promotion. I’m cognitive of that, but that stuff can wreck your head a little bit.”

The 40-year old actor is best known for his role as Tommy Shelby, the lead protagonist of ‘Peaky Blinders.’ His character is the head of the criminal gang established in 1920s Birmingham, just after the first World War. Tommy is also the head of the Shelby family.

Murphy talked about creating the perfect balance of villainy and anti-heroism for his role as Tommy. He explained, “It’s the antihero effect… You’ve got Frank Underwood (House of Cards), Walter White (Breaking Bad), Dexter and most of the folks in Game of Thrones.”

He continued, “There’s a desire for these damaged, morally misshapen characters, who, while far from admirable in their intent, are relatable, identifiable, for all their misdeeds and wrong doings. And likeable. He’s the kind of character I like to watch and digest.”

Murphy gained critical acclaim for his performance as the highly cunning and ambitious Tommy. He was nominated for an IFTA Film and Television Award for Best Leading Actor in a Drama Series and a National Television Award for Best Drama Performance. According to Irish Mirror, Murphy joins fellow Irish actors Jamie Dornan of ‘The Fall’ and Aiden Turner of ‘Poldark’ as they compete for accolades on next year’s National Television Awards.

The series itself was also nominated for several prestigious BAFTA awards. When asked about these achievements, Murphy replied, “I don’t think any one of us predicted that… A small BBC show, especially in the beginning, having a resonance in places like Australia and America... it’s gratifying.”

‘Peaky Blinders’ season 4 was announced by BBC last May 2016. The televisions series is based on the exploits of the real-life gang of the same name, which operated in Birmingham, England, following the first World War. It was created by Steven Knight and produced by Caryn Mandabach Productions and Tiger Aspect Productions.