Jason Statham nearly played Tommy Shelby in 'Peaky Blinders'
Jason Statham nearly played Tommy Shelby in 'Peaky Blinders'

Jason Statham nearly played Tommy Shelby in 'Peaky Blinders' Steven Knight - who created the BBC period drama - initially looked to the big screen action hero to play Tommy Shelby, before eventually giving the role to Cillian Murphy.

Speaking to Esquire magazine, Steven said: Speaking to Esquire magazine, Steven said: In the end, Steven was swayed by a text message from Cillian, who pointed out that while he's very different from Tommy, he was more than capable of the transformation.

Speaking to Esquire magazine, Steven said: