Rebecca Ferguson continues to carve a remarkable path in her acting career, embodying diverse roles across genres, from action hero in the Mission: Impossible series to the enigmatic Lady Jessica in Dune. Her latest venture takes her into the gritty world of Peaky Blinders, where she portrays a new character, Kaulo, an acquaintance of the iconic Tommy Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy.
In a lighthearted exchange with Empire, Ferguson revealed her initial apprehension regarding the Birmingham accent associated with the series. “Basically, I said, ‘I can’t do a fucking Brummie [accent], mate, so what are we going to do about this?’” she recounted, suggesting a Swedish take on her character instead. Despite her concerns, the casting went forward, and Ferguson now embraces the role while staying mindful of the legacy of strong female characters in the Peaky Blinders narrative.
Stepping into a beloved franchise has its challenges, particularly due to the devoted fan base and media coverage. Ferguson admitted to feeling some pressure but tried to maintain focus on the performance itself. “I try and stay away from thinking about all the people who [love it], because that’s just going to freak me out,” she noted, acknowledging the presence of paparazzi at shoots involving Murphy.
Ferguson is keenly aware of the formidable women who have graced the series, hinting that her character will pay homage to those characters who came before her. “I was also very much aware of the characters that have been there, that are no longer around, and paying homage to it,” she said, showcasing her commitment to rooting her portrayal in the rich tapestry of the show’s history.
Fans can look forward to exclusive insights into the upcoming film in Empire’s feature dedicated to Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, which also includes interviews with notable cast members and creator Steven Knight. The film is set to hit cinemas on March 6 and will be available for streaming on Netflix shortly thereafter.
