Cillian Murphy embodies Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders series. [Image Source: LADBIBLEGROUP]
Jay Lycurgo, known for his role in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, recently discussed his experience meeting Cillian Murphy on markedly “very different” terms compared to their past collaboration. Speaking at the Newport Beach Film Festival, Lycurgo reflected on their work together in the indie film Steve, highlighting the contrasts between that project and the hit series. The mention of Cillian Murphy Peaky Blinders was central to this conversation, underscoring Murphy’s range as an actor.
Jay Lycurgo Reflects on Collaboration with Cillian Murphy
At 28, Jay Lycurgo has established himself through roles in Netflix’s The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself and Channel 4’s Generation Z. At the Newport Beach Film Festival, where he was recognized as one of the breakout artists, Lycurgo spoke to Radio Times about his evolving working relationship with Cillian Murphy. Their first notable collaboration happened in Steve, a Netflix production where Lycurgo portrayed a troubled student opposite Murphy’s embattled school headteacher.
Lycurgo described the character Steve as “very lost and fragile” and pointed out the stark difference in the dynamics between himself and Murphy during that film.
“Steve as a character was very lost and fragile,”
he said.
“I feel like, me and him, we were on our own different processes and that is a whole different thing.”
Contrasting Roles: From Indie Drama to Peaky Blinders
In contrast to the vulnerable persona in Steve, Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man presents a completely different image. Lycurgo reflected on seeing Murphy embody the iconic crime boss for the first time, impressed by the transformation.
Image of: Cillian Murphy
“But Tommy Shelby… he’s so cool! When I saw Cillian in the suit for the first time, I was like, ‘Oh, I get it now! I get why it’s so iconic’.”
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man continues the story of Tommy Shelby as he wrestles with the challenges of life in Britain during World War II. The upcoming release will debut in cinemas for two weeks starting Friday, 6 March 2026, before arriving on Netflix later that month.
New Additions and Returning Faces in the Peaky Blinders Franchise
The latest installment broadens the world of Peaky Blinders by introducing new cast members, including Rebecca Ferguson, known for Silo and Dune, Tim Roth from She-Hulk: Attorney at Law and Tin Star, and Barry Keoghan, acclaimed for his roles in Saltburn and The Beatles. At the same time, original series stars Sophie Rundle, Stephen Graham, Ned Dennehy, and Packy Lee will reprise their roles, maintaining continuity within the story’s universe.
Netflix’s synopsis highlights the dramatic stakes:
“Tommy Shelby is driven back from a self-imposed exile to face his most destructive reckoning yet.”
It continues,
“With the future of the family and the country at stake, Tommy must face his own demons, and choose whether to confront his legacy, or burn it to the ground.”
Anticipation Builds Ahead of Release
As Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man prepares for its March 2026 release, fans eagerly await the continuation of Tommy Shelby’s story against a turbulent historic backdrop. The film’s run in cinemas followed by its Netflix debut ensures wide accessibility for audiences around the world.
Jay Lycurgo’s insights into working with Cillian Murphy reveal not only Murphy’s remarkable acting versatility but also the layered storytelling behind the franchise. With the return of familiar faces alongside fresh talent like Lycurgo, the series promises to evolve while honoring its roots in British drama and historical fiction.
