Cillian Murphy has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of working on the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie without the late Helen McCrory, who played the iconic matriarch Polly Gray in the hit series. McCrory passed away in 2021 after a private battle with cancer, leaving a profound void not only in the show but in the hearts of the cast and crew.
In a recent interview, Murphy described the experience as “desperately sad” and admitted that stepping back into the world of Peaky Blinders without McCrory’s presence has been incredibly challenging. “It’s hard to even put into words what Helen meant to the show, to all of us,” Murphy shared. “Her performance as Polly was the backbone of the series, and losing her was like losing a family member.”
Murphy went on to highlight McCrory’s irreplaceable talent, praising her ability to elevate every scene she was in. “Helen brought a level of authenticity, grace, and power to Polly that no one else could. We all felt her absence every day on set,” he added, visibly emotional while reflecting on their time working together.
The Peaky Blinders movie is set to continue the story of the Shelby family, picking up after the explosive events of the final season. However, Murphy noted that the absence of McCrory’s character will be felt deeply throughout the film. “We’ve made sure to honor her in the film,” he confirmed, though he didn’t reveal specific details on how Polly’s absence will be addressed in the storyline.
Murphy also spoke about the close-knit bond among the cast, describing McCrory as the “heart and soul” of the group. “She was a leader, both on and off screen. Her wisdom, her kindness, her humor — it was all infectious, and I feel incredibly lucky to have worked alongside her,” he said.
While fans eagerly await the release of the Peaky Blinders movie, many are wondering how the show will manage without one of its most beloved characters. Murphy acknowledged this concern, saying, “It’s going to be different, and it’s going to be tough. But I believe we’ve created something that will do Helen proud.”
Despite the overwhelming sadness surrounding her absence, Murphy is hopeful that the film will serve as a fitting tribute to McCrory’s legacy. “Helen was one of a kind, and she’ll never be replaced. But her spirit, her work, and her memory will live on through this film and through all of us.”
The Peaky Blinders movie is expected to be released in the near future, with fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the Shelby family saga, even as they prepare to say a final goodbye to Aunt Polly.
