Anya Taylor-Joy calls her Peaky Blinders role the worst she's ever taken. Discover why Gina Gray was such a controversial and challenging character.
- April 16, 2026
AceShowbiz - Anya Taylor-Joy has openly described her character in the hit series Peaky Blinders as the worst role she has ever taken on. Speaking candidly during an interview on Late Night with Seth Meyers, the actress reflected on her experience playing Gina Gray, a controversial figure in the critically acclaimed British drama.
Peaky Blinders chronicles the life of Tommy Shelby and his gang as they navigate the dangerous criminal underworld of post-World War I Birmingham. The show has earned a massive following, featuring a star-studded cast including Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, Annabelle Wallis, Sam Claflin, and others. Taylor-Joy’s character Gina entered the narrative as the former wife of Michael Gray and mother to Laurence Gray.
Gina's storyline is a dark one, as she is driven by ambition to take control of the Shelby family business. She manipulates her husband Michael to execute a plan aimed at overthrowing Tommy Shelby himself. Despite her efforts, the scheme ultimately fails, resulting in Michael’s death and leaving the future of the Shelby family uncertain.
During her interview, Anya Taylor-Joy admitted that while the character is widely disliked, the show maintains a passionate fanbase, particularly in Argentina. “Peaky Blinders is huge in Argentina. That’s potentially the worst character I’ve ever played. They love it,” she noted. This sentiment underscores the complexity of Gina Gray, who has been ranked by fans among the series’ most detested villains.
Alongside Gina, other notable antagonists from the series include Sam Neill as Inspector Campbell, Adrien Brody as Luca Changretta, and Sam Claflin as Oswald Mosley. While Michael Gray also contributed to the conflict, many viewers believe Gina’s influence intensified the rivalry between Michael and Tommy Shelby.
Peaky Blinders fans continue to debate Gina’s impact on the show, some viewing her as a pivotal catalyst for the Shelby family’s internal struggles. Despite her villainous role, Taylor-Joy’s portrayal brought depth to the character, highlighting a complex blend of ambition, manipulation, and vulnerability.
In other news for Peaky Blinders enthusiasts, Cillian Murphy has reprised his role as Tommy Shelby in the new Netflix film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. Set at the dawn of World War II, the movie follows Tommy as he fights to protect his family’s legacy amidst growing threats. The film is currently available to stream on Netflix.
Additionally, the franchise is set to continue with a sequel TV series, though no official release date has been announced. Fans eagerly await further developments and hope to see more of the Shelby family saga unfold.
For those seeking deeper insights into the world of Peaky Blinders, including detailed character analyses and fan reactions, subscribing to specialized newsletters offers curated content covering the original series, film, and upcoming sequel.
The enduring popularity of Peaky Blinders reflects its compelling storytelling, rich characters, and intricate portrayal of crime and family dynamics. While Gina Gray remains one of the most controversial figures in the narrative, her storyline adds a crucial layer to the legendary Shelby family drama.