Cillian Murphy: From Tommy Shelby to Oppenheimer, the hypnotic soul conquering Hollywood without losing his Irish essence

There are actors who just pass through life, and then there's Cillian Murphy. The Irishman has long been that open secret film lovers have cherished, until Oppenheimer finally catapulted him to global stardom with the force of an atomic bomb. But who really is the man behind those otherworldly eyes? If you think you know everything from seeing him as Tommy Shelby, let me fill you in on the rest. Because now, while the world is still digesting his performance in Christopher Nolan's film, Murphy is more present than ever, even if he's hiding in the most unexpected places.

The legacy of Tommy Shelby and that eternal rivalry with Tom Hardy

For many, Cillian Murphy is Peaky Blinders. And they're not wrong. Over six seasons, he mesmerised us with the stare of Tommy Shelby, that Blinder leader burdened by war and ambition. But what makes the series so endlessly rewatchable isn't just Murphy's magnetic presence; it's the electric chemistry with his favourite nemesis: Alfie Solomons, the character Tom Hardy elevated to legendary status. Those exchanges between them, where you don't even need raised voices to feel the tension, are pure cinema. Now, with the promise of the film The Immortal Man on the horizon, rumours of whether we'll see that reunion on the big screen have us all on tenterhooks. Because let's be honest, watching Tommy and Alfie share a scene is like watching two chess masters playing with dynamite.

The voice that transports us: from Enda Walsh to Nevada

But what many might not know is that Cillian Murphy's versatility stretches far beyond the screen. If you're the type to watch the credits, you might have spotted his name on some of the most stylish projects around. For instance, his collaboration with playwright Enda Walsh is serious business. They've been working together for years, pushing the boundaries of Irish theatre with plays that grip your soul. That's his true training ground: the stage.

And speaking of atmosphere, I recently stumbled upon a piece of his work that left me stunned. It's Nevada - Narrated by Cillian Murphy. That deep voice, with an accent that can be as cold as the desert or as warm as a Dublin fireplace, envelops you as he narrates the story of that American state. It's an experience I recommend without hesitation. It's as if Murphy is whispering the darkest secrets of the Wild West in your ear, adding a depth that even the best nature documentary couldn't achieve without him.

The Oppenheimer phenomenon and a book you need to own

Of course, we can't ignore the elephant in the room. Oppenheimer changed the game. Watching Murphy portray the father of the atomic bomb was witnessing an actor at the peak of his powers, guided by that genius Christopher Nolan. But if you think the experience ends when you leave the cinema, think again. There's a gem for those who want to understand it all: Unleashing Oppenheimer: Inside Christopher Nolan's Explosive Atomic-Age Thriller. This book is a bible for fans. It immerses you in how Nolan built that implosive narrative, how Murphy prepared to embody the scientist's human paradox, and all the technical details that made a three-hour film feel like a fleeting moment.

• The Stare: Cillian has that gift of saying more with silence than most do with ten-minute monologues. In Oppenheimer, every time those close-ups appeared, you felt the universe collapsing inside him.
• The Discreet Irishman: Unlike others, Murphy hates social media. While everyone else promotes their projects on Instagram, he prefers to vanish, which makes every appearance of his an event.
• The Alter Ego: Many confuse him with Killian Scott, another great Irish actor. But while Scott is the king of crime dramas, Murphy is the king of psychological complexity. Two Killians, two styles, one land overflowing with talent.

What's next for Cillian?

While the world eagerly awaits the Peaky Blinders film, Cillian Murphy sticks to his path: choosing projects that interest him, not ones that will make him more famous. From his early days in independent cinema with Danny Boyle to becoming Nolan's undisputed leading man, he's maintained that integrity we sorely miss in Hollywood. Now, as I listen to his narration in Nevada, I can only think that we're witnessing an actor in the full flower of his art. And the best part: his finest performance is probably still to come. So there you have it, if you see his name in a cast list, don't overthink it. Do yourself a favour, sit back, and let Cillian Murphy tell you the story. He knows how.