The highly anticipated film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man has unveiled its first look, featuring stars Cillian Murphy and Barry Keoghan. The 70-second teaser, released by Netflix on Christmas Eve, offers fans a glimpse into the new narrative following the iconic character Tommy Shelby.
In the teaser, Murphy’s character reflects on his past as the “famous gypsy gangster” Tommy Shelby, who returns from self-imposed exile amid the turmoil of World War II. A voiceover poses the poignant question, “Whatever happened to Tommy Shelby?” to which Shelby replies, “I’m not that man anymore.” The visual narrative captures Shelby walking with a subdued demeanor while wearing his signature bakerboy cap, as a female voice urges him to return.
New Characters and Returning Favorites
The film continues the story of the Shelby crime family, which originally gained prominence through the acclaimed BBC series that aired from 2013 to 2022. The show, spanning six seasons, followed the Shelbys’ rise from the aftermath of World War I to the end of Prohibition in the United States. Returning cast members include Sophie Rundle as Ada Shelby, Stephen Graham as union convener Hayden Stagg, and Packy Lee as Tommy’s friend Johnny Dogs.
Joining the ensemble is Keoghan, known for his recent role in Saltburn, alongside Rebecca Ferguson from Dune and Tim Roth, a veteran actor of Reservoir Dogs fame. The film is directed by Tom Harper and written by the series creator Steven Knight, who is also set to write the next James Bond film.
Release Dates and Future Plans
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is scheduled to premiere in cinemas on March 6, 2024, followed by its release on Netflix on March 20.
In addition to the film, the BBC has announced plans for two new series focusing on a “new generation of Shelbys.” This spin-off is set in 1953, years after the events of the upcoming film, and will be filmed at Digbeth Loc Studios in Birmingham. While Murphy is set to return as an executive producer, it remains unclear whether he will reprise his role as Tommy Shelby.
The Peaky Blinders universe continues to expand, following the popularity of various adaptations, including a ballet by Rambert Studios inspired by Tommy Shelby’s story. The sixth series, which was marketed as the final season, concluded with an intense cliffhanger involving Tommy contemplating suicide after receiving false information about a brain tumor.
The show initially aired on BBC Two before moving to BBC One in 2019, gaining a global following through its availability on Netflix. The series has not only propelled Murphy to international fame but has also increased the popularity of the flat cap, becoming synonymous with the characters’ style.
