All About Cillian Murphy’s Upcoming Period Drama and Crime Story

Cillian Murphy and period dramas are a match made in cinematic heaven. The “Peaky Blinders” actor and “Oppenheimer” star has a knack for shining in historically-based narratives, weaving performances that resonate deeply. Even if “Peaky Blinders” was brimming with fictionalized characters, and “Oppenheimer” stirred controversy for a certain “poison apple” reference that concerned one of the Oppenheimer family members, Murphy’s skills are undeniable. Nonetheless, Hollywood’s creative liberties sometimes wade into contentious waters. Hopefully, Murphy’s upcoming project, “Blood Runs Coal,” will keep its focus and avoid similar distractions.

Earlier this year, Murphy not only signed on to star in “Blood Runs Coal” but also agreed to serve as its executive producer. This commitment comes on the heels of his recent Oscar win, signaling a busy period ahead for the actor. Like many of his previous works, the film will be an adaptation of a book, so let’s delve into the details.

Murphy had been eyeing Mark A. Bradley’s 2020 book, “Blood Runs Coal: The Yablonski Murders and the Battle for the United Mine Workers of America,” even before his Oscar triumph. According to Deadline, the acquisition rights for a Universal movie were secured around the same time as his awards win.

The book is a gripping account of the 1969 triple murder of a union activist and his family in Clarksville, Pennsylvania. Joseph “Jock” Yablonski had been vying for the presidency of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), aiming to depose the corrupt Tony Boyle. Boyle was notorious for embezzlement and various frauds, acting as a puppet for Big Coal. After cheating his way through the election, Boyle resorted to murder to thwart Jock’s ambitions. Here’s an excerpt from the book’s description:

The most infamous crimes in the history of American labor unions, the Yablonski murders triggered one of the most intensive and successful manhunts in FBI history―and also led to the first successful rank-and-file takeover of a major labor union in modern U.S. history. It inspired workers in other labor unions to rise up and challenge their own entrenched, out-of-touch leaders.

An extraordinary portrait of one of the nation’s major unions on the brink of historical change, Blood Runs Coal comes at a time of resurgent labor movements in the United States and the current administration’s attempts to bolster the fossil fuel industry. Brilliantly researched and compellingly written, it sheds light on the far-reaching effects of industrial and socioeconomic change that unfold across America to this day.

“Blood Runs Coal” promises to be a page-turner, and Murphy has signed on to portray Chip Yablonski, a family member not present during the tragic murders. Chip Yablonski devoted much of his life and career as a labor attorney seeking justice for his father. His efforts included enlisting the Labor Department to delve into the case, revealing even more crimes deeply embedded within the union’s hierarchy.

With Murphy cast as Chip Yablonski, the anticipation for the rest of the ensemble cast grows. Currently engaged with other projects, including wrapping up filming for “28 Years Later” and preparing for the “Peaky Blinders” movie, Murphy’s packed schedule suggests that fans may need to exercise patience for “Blood Runs Coal.”

As for the trailer, the wait has just begun. In the meantime, fans can enjoy a relatable moment with Cillian expressing his love for sleep, an everyday king like the rest of us.

Source: Getty Image, Deadline, Mark A. Bradley