A Young Cillian Murphy Tells Collin Farrell About His Rise to Fame

As Cillian Murphy reprises his role as Tommy Shelby for "Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man," we revisit his 2006 interview with Colin Farrell.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 2:21pm

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In 2006, Cillian Murphy was interviewed by fellow Irish actor Colin Farrell, discussing his breakout roles in films like Red Eye, Batman Begins, and Breakfast on Pluto. At the time, the 29-year-old Murphy was relishing his sudden rise to fame as a movie star. Now an Oscar winner, Murphy is returning to his iconic role as Tommy Shelby in the hit TV series Peaky Blinders.

Why it matters

This interview provides a fascinating glimpse into Cillian Murphy's early career, capturing his thoughts and experiences as he was just beginning to establish himself as a leading man in Hollywood. It offers insight into the creative process and camaraderie between two acclaimed Irish actors, as well as Murphy's evolution as an artist over the past two decades.

The details

In the 2006 interview, Murphy discusses his work on the sci-fi film he was shooting with director Danny Boyle, describing it as a "classy sci-fi movie" in the vein of Alien. He also reflects on his previous collaborations with Boyle and the benefits of working with the same director multiple times. Murphy and Farrell also discuss their experiences with green screen and wire work, as well as the challenges of maintaining subtlety and authenticity in those types of roles.

  • In 2006, Cillian Murphy was 29 years old.
  • The interview took place in March 2006.

The players

Cillian Murphy

An Irish actor who has risen to fame over the past two decades, known for his roles in films like Red Eye, Batman Begins, and the Peaky Blinders TV series.

Colin Farrell

A fellow Irish actor who has also achieved great success in Hollywood, known for films like Miami Vice and The Lobster.

Danny Boyle

A renowned British filmmaker who has directed several of Cillian Murphy's films, including the sci-fi project they discuss in the interview.

Alex Garland

A British screenwriter who wrote the screenplay for the sci-fi film Cillian Murphy was working on, which was directed by Danny Boyle.

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What they’re saying

“There's a trust and a shorthand, so it just makes it easier all around. I'm lovin' Boyle, man. It's also from the same writer who did 28 Days Later.”

— Cillian Murphy, Actor

“Yeah, you can't do it in halves. And the subtlety, or any ability you have to relate to something that you've experienced, is taken out of it because you're on a fuckin' spaceship.”

— Colin Farrell, Actor

What’s next

Cillian Murphy will soon reprise his iconic role as Tommy Shelby in the final season of the hit TV series Peaky Blinders, titled "Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man."

The takeaway

This interview provides a fascinating look at the early career of acclaimed actor Cillian Murphy, capturing his thoughts and experiences as he was just beginning to establish himself as a leading man in Hollywood. It offers insight into the creative process and camaraderie between two acclaimed Irish actors, as well as Murphy's evolution as an artist over the past two decades.