Peaky Blinders and Game of Thrones share more than their intense storytelling. A surprising number of actors graced both series, creating a crossover that delighted fans of British drama. Aiden Gillen (Aberama Gold in Peaky Blinders and Littlefinger in Game of Thrones), Alexander Siddig (Ruben Oliver / Doran Martell), and Richard Blake (Anton Kaledin / The Night King) brought their talents to both worlds. Other notable crossovers include Kate Dickie (Mother Superior / Lysa Arryn), Donald Sumpter (Arthur Bigge / Maester Luwin), and Ralph Ineson (Connor Nutley / Dagmer Cleftjaw). These familiar faces added depth to Peaky Blinders while giving fans of both series a reason to cheer.
Cillian Murphy: The Man Behind Tommy Shelby
Tommy Shelby’s enigmatic persona is inseparable from Cillian Murphy’s performance. Initially, Jason Statham was considered for the role, but Murphy’s quiet intensity won over director Steven Knight. To bring Tommy to life, Murphy immersed himself in Romani culture and went through thousands of herbal cigarettes—approximately 6,000 during the series’ run. Unlike Tommy’s frequent smoking, however, Murphy never eats on screen.
David Bowie’s Unexpected Tribute
David Bowie was a devoted Peaky Blinders fan, surprising even the show’s creators. Bowie sent Cillian Murphy a photo of himself dressed as Tommy Shelby, complete with razor blades in his cap. After Bowie’s passing, he left behind another gift: permission for the series to use his songs, including tracks from his final album, Blackstar.
Tom Hardy and Cillian Murphy’s On-Screen Chemistry
Peaky Blinders marked the fourth collaboration between Murphy and Tom Hardy. The pair previously worked together in Christopher Nolan’s films, including The Dark Knight and Inception. Hardy’s portrayal of Alfie Solomons added an unpredictable energy to the show, with his character becoming a fan favorite despite frequent betrayals.
Behind the Scenes: Authenticity and Filming Choices
Despite being set in Birmingham, much of Peaky Blinders was filmed in Liverpool and Manchester. Producers found these cities better preserved the industrial, post-WWI aesthetic that modern Birmingham lacked.
Real-Life Family Dynamics
The Shelby family’s dynamics felt real for a good reason—Finn Cole (Michael Gray) and Joe Cole (John Shelby) are real-life brothers. Their chemistry added authenticity to the family-centric drama that defines the series.
Sam Neill’s Accent Challenge
Sam Neill, who played Chief Inspector Chester Campbell, worked with Irish actors Liam Neeson and James Nesbitt to reclaim his Northern Irish accent. However, Neill adjusted the accent to ensure accessibility for American audiences, striking a balance between authenticity and clarity.
Rowan Atkinson Rumor
In 2020, rumors suggested Rowan Atkinson would portray Adolf Hitler in the final season. Though ultimately false, the speculation underscored the show’s reputation for casting unexpected but brilliant actors, including Stephen Graham, who delivered a standout performance as Hayden Stagg in Season 6.
Legacy of Peaky Blinders
From its gripping storytelling to its fascinating connections with Game of Thrones and tributes from legends like David Bowie, Peaky Blinders remains a masterpiece of modern television. With every unscripted moment, historical nod, and layered performance, the series solidified its place as one of the most captivating dramas of its time.
