Quick Read
- Cillian Murphy revealed Tommy Shelby’s haircut was designed to prevent lice.
- The Peaky Blinders haircut is historically accurate and became popular among gang members.
- Murphy is executive producer for the upcoming Peaky Blinders sequel series.
- The sequel, set in 1953 Birmingham, will follow the Shelby family through the city’s reconstruction.
- Both the film and the sequel series have been greenlit by Netflix and the BBC.
The Real Story Behind Tommy Shelby’s Iconic Haircut
Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders has left a permanent mark on pop culture. The sharply tailored suits, the flat caps, and, perhaps most notably, the signature haircut—these have all become emblems of a modern-day aesthetic inspired by Birmingham’s notorious gangsters. But as Murphy recently revealed on The Graham Norton Show, the truth behind Tommy Shelby’s infamous haircut is far less glamorous than most fans imagine.
Murphy candidly called the haircut “so disgusting, really,” explaining that its origins stem from a practical, if unsavory, need: lice prevention. “You know the story behind that is it’s to prevent lice infestation,” Murphy said, referencing the historical context of early 20th-century Birmingham. While the style—a French crop with a short, tapered undercut—might now be requested at barbershops as the ‘Peaky cut,’ its actual purpose was more about hygiene than fashion.
As Murphy joked, perhaps it should be called the “lice cut.” The logic was simple: by keeping the sides and back closely shorn, the risk of lice decreased by about sixty percent. The remaining hair atop the head, although still a haven for lice, was much less inviting than a full head of hair. And for the gang members, this trim had another advantage—it made it harder for opponents to grab them during brawls. As Murphy himself admits, it’s not the look he’d choose for himself, preferring to keep his hair long off-screen. Yet the cut has become so iconic that barbers worldwide report clients asking for the “Peaky Blinders” style, a testament to the show’s cultural reach.
Peaky Blinders: From Cult Series to Global Phenomenon
What started as a gritty BBC drama about post-war Birmingham evolved into a global phenomenon. The series didn’t just captivate audiences with its gripping narratives and complex characters—it created an entire aesthetic. Young men around the world saw Tommy Shelby as the embodiment of cool, adopting his dress, mannerisms, and, most visibly, his haircut.
The show’s influence wasn’t accidental. Murphy’s commitment to authenticity, from his physical transformation to the intensity he brought to Shelby’s inner turmoil, helped ground the series in a sense of historical realism. The attention to detail, from set design to costume, mirrored the care taken with even the smallest aspects, like the infamous haircut. And as Murphy’s profile grew, so too did the appetite for all things Peaky.
New Chapters: Movie Release and Sequel Series Confirmed
As excitement continues to build, Murphy has confirmed that the long-awaited Peaky Blinders movie is finished and slated for release next year. But the story doesn’t end there. According to NewsNation, both Netflix and the BBC have announced a sequel series, greenlit for a two-season run. This new chapter will pick up in 1953, as Birmingham emerges from the devastation of World War II and enters a period of fierce reconstruction.
Murphy isn’t just returning as Tommy Shelby; he’s stepping into the role of executive producer, alongside series creator Steven Knight. Knight describes the upcoming series as “a hell of a ride,” promising a brutal contest for control over Birmingham’s future—a city of opportunity and danger, with the Shelby family at its blood-soaked heart.
The official logline sets the stage: “Britain, 1953. After being heavily bombed in WWII, Birmingham is building a better future out of concrete and steel. In a new era of Steven Knight’s Peaky Blinders, the race to own Birmingham’s massive reconstruction project becomes a brutal contest of mythical dimensions. This is a city of unprecedented opportunity and danger, with the Shelby family right at its blood-soaked heart.”
Murphy’s Role: On Screen and Behind the Scenes
Cillian Murphy’s journey with Peaky Blinders has come full circle. Not only does he remain the face of Tommy Shelby—a role he’s inhabited with rare intensity—but he’s also shaping the show’s future as an executive producer. This dual role places Murphy at the heart of the Peaky Blinders universe, ensuring that the legacy of authenticity and storytelling continues into the next generation.
His partnership with Steven Knight, coupled with the return of key collaborators, signals a commitment to preserving the show’s original spirit while exploring new territory. The sequel series will focus on the new generation of Shelbys, but with Murphy’s guiding hand, the transition promises to be both respectful of the past and daringly fresh.
In addition to the movie and series, Knight’s recent work, like the historical drama “House of Guiness” on Netflix, demonstrates the creative team’s appetite for ambitious storytelling.
Legacy and Impact: Peaky Blinders in Popular Culture
The transformation of Peaky Blinders from a local drama into a worldwide phenomenon is a story of both timing and talent. Murphy’s performance helped set the standard for television antiheroes, blending vulnerability with menace in a way that resonated far beyond Birmingham. The show’s aesthetic seeped into fashion, music, and even the language of style.
But the most enduring legacy may be the show’s commitment to historical truth—even when it’s uncomfortable. The “disgusting” origins of the haircut are a reminder that the world of Peaky Blinders was one of survival and adaptation, not just glamour. For fans old and new, the next chapter promises to build on that foundation, marrying grit and authenticity with the mythic sweep of postwar ambition.
Cillian Murphy’s revelations about the infamous haircut cut through the glamour, anchoring Peaky Blinders in the realities its characters faced. As the franchise expands—with Murphy’s creative vision now guiding the future—the story remains rooted in truth, offering both nostalgia and innovation to audiences worldwide.