PEAKY BLINDERS star Cillian Murphy is being tipped to play flamboyant zoo owner turned convicted criminal Joe Exotic in a film adaptation of the hit Netflix documentary series Tiger King.
The seven-part documentary has been a huge hit for the streaming service, having debuted on the platform around the same time much of the world was forced into lockdown.
It has sparked discussion over a possible movie chronicling the incredible highs and grim lows of Joe Exotic’s time as the owner of a zoo in the US.
Murphy, who is best known for playing Tommy Shelby in BBC hit series Peaky Blinders, is thought to be in the running to play the eccentric American in any film version.
It comes after the Cork actor’s odds were slashed from 150/1 to 66/1 by Boylesports.
This kind of significant shift in pricing can sometimes be an indicator of impending casting news.
Murphy would likely have no issues with Joe Exotic’s accent either, having demonstrated his ability to adopt an American drawl in countless Hollywood blockbusters.
Despite the speculation surrounding Murphy bagging the part, actor Billy Bob Thornton remains the 4/1 favourite for the role with Kevin Bacon just behind him on 5/1.
Sarah Kinsella, spokesperson for BoyleSports said: “Oklahoma zoo owner Joe Exotic is serving a long sentence in prison but following the massive reaction to Tiger King on Netflix, the chances of the colourful personality to have a movie made about him is on the rise.
“Irish star Cillian Murphy is the latest name to be fancied for the role with his odds backed into 66/1 from 100/1 while Robert Sheehan has been introduced at 100/1.”
See More: Cillian Murphy, Joe Exotic, Peaky Blinders, Tiger King
