clear skies

my charlie! i'm so glad that you've been so booked and busy, but that also means you've been neglecting the little guys like me. and honestly? can't be mad at it. haha, but please, never apologize. i love where life's taken you. i love seeing your upward trajectory where you're constantly on to better things. we need to bring back our regular visits when we aren't so busy with kids, work, and life. things are non-stop on my end, too! i have a lot of stuff in post-production while other projects are still being slightly tweaked. totally holding down the fort up here in new york. where does work have you nowadays? what's the next big thing you're going to be in so i can tell all my other friends about it?

not on purpose, mind you! as good as it feels being booked and busy, i certainly don't want to forget the folks like you who are always so supportive. i'm almost afraid it can't get any better than peaky blinders though, and i've probably peaked. i agree on regular visits, let's make those a habit again. you're always booked and busy so that doesn't surprise me at all, though no complaints since it means i have great things to watch when they're all released. i'm still filming over in birmingham, so i'll hold down the uk if you hold down new york, deal? i think my next film release is twice over? which is a romantic comedy, so something different for you. what about you, which of yours is coming out first so i know which to look out for?

Aren't we a pair of idiots? But I'm really glad we still check in on each other every now and then. No one, it's way more fun to be a little off your rocker. Sounds like you're having the time of your life! I'm so happy for you, you deserve to feel that excited, and the way you talk about it makes it sound like a dream come true. The only part that sucks is the whole falling out of touch with people thing, we've all been there, and it's terrible. It really was! She's an absolute powerhouse, insanely talented, and she has this magnetic stage presence that makes it impossible to look away. I'm glad you got to see it before work took over, because that's definitely one of those performances you don't forget anytime soon. Sounds like a plan, you already know I'll take you up on that the second I can. Getting a full behind-the-scenes tour from you sounds amazing, and seeing you in your element on set would make the trip even better.

we are, but i wouldn't want to be an idiot with anyone else but you, mills. and of course, you know you couldn't get away from me at least checking in on you, if not accosting you during trips like the napa one! though i feel like i had a good reason, solely to tease you over finn. i'm really excited for the project, especially with them slowly releasing information about it so i can actually talk about it. it's difficult keeping it all to myself! at least the falling out of touch with people ends up being a temporary thing, at least if i'm lucky. i know, and i tell sadie that all the time, that she's an incredible actress. here's hoping she actually believes us one day. i certainly didn't want to miss it, and i'm still hoping i can make it for closing night, too. and perfect, you know you're welcome on set anytime, and i promise we'll all treat you like royalty.

Did you just ask me what was the wildest color I ever dyed my hair? I literally thought the question stopped at color and I was like why is this the best question ever. Still best question ever. That answer of color is purple but not for my hair. Definitely for Lady Bird. For subtle as it looked on camera that was legit pink in my hair and turning dirty blonde slash red that color is actually hard. I think you should live your best emo hair days buddy/.

well, you can tell me what you think the wildest color is too, since you like the question! oh, i liked your hair color in lady bird too, so i completely understand how that's a favorite. it's one of those that you can dye your hair and not even touch it up, and it still looks great after a while. with this inspiration, i just might! maybe when i've finished up filming, because i don't think anyone in the peaky blinders gang would have blue hair, even if i could dream.

i feel the luckiest in the world to say i got to meet eduardo. he's such a cool guy. i don't even think i can stress that enough but obviously, i know you know that, too. thank you though! the whole role was a dream. i still am pinching myself getting to work with robert and ben and the rest of them. right now, things are a little all over the place for me between a show coming and then an album and tour but absolutely never ruling out another film or two, especially if it means taking on something like that again.

i do, and he's honestly the best, which i know that you know now. and believe i messaged him too with how much i'm looking forward to watching the film. those are definitely the dream folks to work with when they've done so many cool things! you weren't lying saying things are all over the place with your schedule, and i'm a little exhausted for you just hearing everything you've got going on. please tell me you're balancing all that with some rest or some fun, or just something, please. i definitely wouldn't rule out seeing you on screen again either, so happy for that news!

Oh dude I feel this spiritually. The amazon prime just rolls sometimes and well something terrifying always comes up. You are the 6th ever person to mention to me seeing this. Right? Watch out even as we speak it's there. Kidding. Why do I make such randomly terrifying movies? Like not a Halloween or Scream but like you never needed it till you see it and fear the rest of your life. Im sorry though? Its too late for that right?

exactly! it's like streaming services time late night, can't sleep views and make it impossible to sleep afterwards anyway, but i guess that's a win for them. and the 6th person ever? just means i have to tell more people about the film, bring them on board being paranoid of their phones with me. and what, do you have other horror films out there floating around that i'm probably going to encounter on my own at this rate? i'd only ask for apologies if it was a bad film, and even if it made me paranoid, it was an enjoyable watch, so at least there's that!

it’s actually criminal how long it’s been since we properly caught up. not one of those quick little “how are you?” moments where both people say they’re good and then immediately disappear, but a real catch up. the kind where one coffee somehow turns into three hours and suddenly we’ve covered life, work, weird dreams, and at least one deeply unnecessary story. we need to fix that now. i want updates, chaos, emotional footnotes, all of it. i’m nosy, but in a very loving and artistic way. ( @heatonrc )

i agree it's been entirely too long since the two of us caught up, maya! like properly caught up, and i know that's typically the life when we're no longer working together, but i entirely reject that and say we need a proper catch up immediately. that scenario has me picturing us at a coffee shop losing track of time so badly, the staff gives us polite yet pointed looks that it's closing time and they'd like to go home eventually, and then we'd have to double the tips to make up for it. i'll preface mine by asking, how interested are you in peaky blinders? because that's all i've been living and breathing lately, and if it's a topic that makes your eyes glaze over, i should know that in advance. will also try not to judge, but can't promise some judgement won't make it through. and i want to hear everything going on with you! how are things. any new projects? are you making new music?

Knowing she had been one of the few trusted people Charlie had allowed himself to invite on set warmed Natalia from the inside out. There was so much shared history, so many goals achieved and battles fought together. Despite the sadness that clouded their break up, he still meant the world to her. Being on this set, knowing exactly what meant to him only filled her with pride. She rooted for his success, maybe harder than anyone else and she did so without even realising it was something she was actively doing. Not only did she know all too well how dedicated of an actor he was, but Charlie was and always has been a genuinely incredible person. He had a heart of gold and anyone who knew him could attest to it. Peaky Blinders had been a show they'd bonded over. Natalia had been there to watch him fall in love with the world as it played out on the screen. Stepping into the Birmingham set and seeing those small details come to life bloomed a sense of pride for the man she had spent years getting to know. Seeing him standing there, adorned in a striking three piece suit an familiar flat cap set waves of nostalgia flooding through her body. Excitement grew, much like the smile on her face because this was real, this had happened and by some miracle, she was there to witness it in real time. Charlie beamed with the devotion of a excitable child being gifted their favourite lego set on Christmas morning and she quietly wondered to herself if there had ever been a sight as pure as the one that stood before her.

to share being on the peaky blinders set with natalia, someone who knew exactly how much the show and project meant to charlie, who'd watched with him as each season of highs and lows build a small place in his heart specifically for the show, it just gave being part of the new generation an extra layer of sentiment that charlie knew wouldn't be there without natalia herself. and the fact that natalia was so visibly happy for him, happy to see him on set and in costume, charlie found it impossible not to smile. "still working on them letting me sleep here," he joked, almost surprised at how easily they fell back into their usual back and forth despite the time away, and that they could still be a source of comfort for one another. even if natalia had known how seriously charlie took this project and every one he'd been part of, for that matter, he still didn't gracefully accept compliments about his talent, let alone agree that he belonged on a set like this. he always saw himself as lucky, if anything, and he certainly make sure he soaked up every bit of the experience he had there, that he'd take nothing for granted. "we'll agree to disagree," he told natalia with a grin, knowing he'd never get her to agree he was just lucky to be there and part of the cast. "but i'll give you the rest of that, because i've definitely been dreaming about this role ever since i first watched the show. and to think, now i'm part of the shelby family. i still can't believe it." the words were almost akin to a confession, one he felt like he could only share with natalia, that she was one of the few who'd understand the gravity of the project for him.

yeah, few weeks away now. i can’t believe how quick it’s coming. if it were up to me, i’d be ready for release tomorrow but i’ll let things build a bit more and enjoy the ride. definitely welcome to any and all distractions in the meantime too since i know it’ll be nonstop after. appreciate it and hope you enjoy once it comes. how’ve things been with you? congrats on stranger things.

i hear you there, though the nerves that come with releases always make me want it over and done with the get past those. not to mention promo puts on extra pressure for having to be reminded of everything i'm nervous about! i know it's probably better to enjoy the ride though, like you said. not too long now though, how are you feeling? i hope you've been balancing all the nonstop with some relaxation where you can. and thanks, mate! things are going pretty well. i'm working on a peaky blinders show so doesn't get much better than that to me.

why yes, I know. I mean, how could you? week after week it was selling out shows. movie theaters packed to the brim. you had to duck and dodge spoilers while they flooded social media. I did my best but eventually, I just accepted I would stumble upon a few. agreed. and I'm hoping to be included in a soundtrack on any one of ryan coogler's projects. I appreciate the warning. been reading letterbox'd just to prepare.

sometimes projects not as good make big numbers too, not to judge them, but just the reality. but not everything can have lasting cultural impact like sinners does, so just makes it all the better so many people saw it and loved it. those are the times when i'm glad i'm not on social media much, that i don't see the spoilers! i'm so hoping for that, that you'll get to work with him. after reading the letterboxes, do you think talk to me is the kind of film you'd enjoy?

it really is. they were excited as soon as it was announced but hearing the reception after lets me know who was really enjoying it or now. i can say the majority of fans loved it which i'm glad for. oh, i'm sure we will down the line after all the chaos from touring and being back in the spotlight again. sleep is needed and i take any chance to get more of it especially right now where i'm traveling everywhere possible.

good for you guys! and has to be a nice feeling making an album that a lot of people love, too. that’s good news that you’re hopeful you guys will make another album again when things are more calm. and i hear you, like i toured when i was a teenager and think it’d be all the more difficult now. i’d probably push past needing a nap and go into full hibernation mode. with all the travel, do you have a favorite city to perform or just in general?

i think out of all of us in the cast, you're probably the busiest one right now, honestly. you and joe, definitely. i was already nervous about the show before, and now i'm somehow even more nervous, but it's okay because i know it's all going to be worth it in the end. i'm going to be so happy seeing all of you there, i think the excitement is finally starting to feel real now, which is both amazing and slightly terrifying. and yes! i told him i was going to one of his shows and that i'd basically stay attached to him the entire time because i miss him so much and i'm incredibly proud of him. seriously, you're such a good friend, i don't think you even realize how much people appreciate having you around. okay, i'll tell you what happened. i went to atlanta to spend some time with millie and we ended up confessing our feelings for each other. and now i honestly have no idea what's going to happen from here, everything suddenly feels very real, and i think part of me is excited while the other part is completely panicking. man, you deserve every single opportunity they're offering you right now, i can't explain how proud i am of you. seeing good things happen to people you love is one of the best feelings in the world. listen, we absolutely need as many selfies as possible because you're beautiful and it would honestly be selfish of you not to provide photographic evidence.

i have to kick that busiest title over to joe, since being on the road nonstop like that is no joke. i did that when i was a teenager, but i have a feeling it'd be nap after nap after nap if i tried that right now. it's going to be a great show, and we'll all be cheering you on! which, the night before, i hope there aren't too many nerves. i've got my signs ready! i'm saying, you two should take the stage together since i think people would go absolutely wild having you and joe up on stage together. don't mind me running this idea by him for one of his shows. what, because you all can't get rid of me? just a testament to what great friends you are when i'm attaching myself like velcro. and seriously?! i'm equally excited for you two yet also not surprised given how close you two are. i mean, i know how it goes with the feeling a little bit of everything, so you know that you can always ramble at me about it if you need to. i know you'll figure everything out, though. i appreciate that so much from you, mate, and i just hope people like the finished product when it's released, especially when so much love and work is going into the show. i'll just keep sending you selfies of me in the suit until you get tired of it and wonder exactly when i actually work.

i watched marrowbone the other night and i don't think i've ever been so taken off guard by a plot twist before. i mean ... wow. didn't see any of that coming at all. i know you've made the switch to television in the recent years, but do you think you would ever do a horror movie again? you were great in it.

it's always a delight hearing when anyone's watched marrowbone when it's brought up so rarely these days. which i have to ask after that twist, are you okay, mate? do you need a hug? i wouldn't mind doing another horror film if the opportunity came up and i was into the role, sure! i want to do a little of everything, if i'm honest. like i last did a romantic comedy, which was a switch but a lot of fun. i nearly asked if you've done any horror films yourself, but i doubt anything could be scarier than yellowjackets.

it really has been a huge week for all of us. Honestly, I think we’re all still trying to process the fact that we’re actually doing this again after so many years. There’s something very emotional about stepping back into a world that meant so much to people and still does. i feel like part of the avengers cast now. we are breaking the box office. i feel so proud of this film. We are definitely… excited, absolutely. But nervous too. I think that’s inevitable. I’m sorry in advance for however aggressively this movie is following you around the internet. Thank you for your sweet words. it means the world. let me know what you think about the movie once you watch it. pleaseee!

i can imagine! especially when so much has changed since that film came out, and of course changed with your characters as well! i'm excited to see it though, and i love that people have been so enthusiastic and showing the film so much love when i'm sure it's deserved, even having not seen the film yet. i hear you, project releases always involve some nerves because you can't help caring about the outcome when you've invested so much time. see, it's one of the films i don't mind following me around, for what it's worth! i promise that i'll come talk to you once i've seen the film. though tell me you've had some relaxation since then? a press tour always calls for that afterwards, i say.

charlie, when i tell you i am consistently exhausted... i mean it. but i'll do it for the fans, they're a riot, mate. they're just so kind and crazy and delightful all at the same time. i might need the coffee drip. shall i drive the two hours to you in order to get it? is this how i'm bribed?

oh, i can definitely imagine that the fans make the fatigue worth it, at the least. i haven't gone to many conventions, though i feel like if i ever do, tagging along with you for one of yours as a crash course would be fun. yes, i feel like a coffee drip is a proper bribe and completely worth the trip, don't you think? and since the weather's getting hot, i'll even throw in an iced coffee to boot.

I would love to, but before I get the joy of your company in Birmingham, I'm guessing I'll get the privilege of running into you in Napa? The world just can't seem to keep us apart, can it? Our garden will always be number one in my heart, but it's nice you have a place to enjoy while you're over there. We'll see how good it really is once I give my verdict. Charlie's Garden is looking pretty lonely and could use a musical younger brother so let's see how inspired I feel once my eyes lock on the lush green grass. It feels so elementary talking about girls like this, but man, I don't know, she's amazing. Like, properly earth scatteringly incredible. Her name is Olivia and I don't know, I'm gone for her, bud. Haven't had the guts to say it to her face yet. She smiles and it's like I forget the entire English language. Japan was amazing and even though you're humble and never want anything, of course I got some stuff for you. I'll pass the gifts over this weekend and you better cherish them for the rest of your life. Being in the Peaky Blinder universe makes so much sense for you, I'm just surprised it took this long for them to figure it out. Thanks, babe, I would have to cause some serious trouble if you were to replace me at the drop of a hat.

you absolutely will, since it'd be a crime if we were in the same place and didn't hang out. pretty sure i'd be gutted, so don't go breaking my heart. you know our garden will always be the most special to me too, and we can make some nice memories when you come see the birmingham one also. if it inspires you, i'll know my judgement didn't fail me and will have done my job. listen to you, taking us back in time to school days. that's so great for you, mate, that you've met someone who makes you feel that way. she has to be crazy about you too, i can't see any other scenario given you're a catch. i knew you'd probably get gifts from japan regardless, and i'll cherish them almost as much as i cherish you. thank god they saw whatever they did to put me in the show, since i'll cherish this experience for a lifetime. you know i'd never replace you, but i understand needing to hear the words every now and again.