Cillian Murphy Says It’s “Offensive” When He’s Photographed by Fans

Cillian Murphy might be one of the most celebrated actors in recent years, but he is not as comfortable with the fame that comes with it. Having played Thomas Shelby in BBC series “Peaky Blinders”, Emmett in “A Quiet Place Part II”, and most recently, the lead role of J.Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s highly-anticipated move “Oppenheimer”, released on 21 July, notoriety is still not his bag.

“It can ruin experiences, because it fetishises everything: You can be walking down the street and someone takes a picture, like this is a fucking event. It kind of destroys nuance and human behaviour, but that’s part and parcel of it,” he tells Rolling Stone UK. When it comes to the glitz of glamour of Hollywood parties, Murphy also admits he’d rather be at home with his wife, Yvonne McGuinness, and their two sons.

“I don’t really partake. I don’t go out. I’m just at home mostly, or with my friends, unless I have a film to promote,” he says. “I don’t like being photographed by people I find that offensive, If I was a woman, and it was a man photographing me . . .” Murphy also adds that the public forget he plays characters and is not actually the person they see on screen.

“I think it’s the Tommy Shelby thing. People expect this mysterious, swaggering… it’s just a character. I do feel people are a little bit underwhelmed. That’s fine, it means I’m doing my job. Peaky fans are amazing. But sometimes I feel a little sad that I can’t provide – like – that charisma and swagger. He couldn’t be further from me,” he says.

When it comes to the Birmingham-based series, there has been speculation of a “Peaky Blinders” film making its way to the silver screen. So what’s the latest? “If there’s more story there, I’d love to do it,” he adds. “But it has to be right. Steve Knight wrote 36 hours of television, and we left on such a high. I’m really proud of the last season. So, it would have to feel legitimate and justified to do more.” Here’s hoping it gets the green light, by order of the Peaky Blinders.

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