The gritty, stylish world of Peaky Blinders is set to return to screens with The Immortal Man, an eagerly anticipated Netflix film that promises to extend the saga of Birmingham’s notorious Shelby family. However, fans were dealt a bittersweet blow when Finn Cole, who portrayed the complex Michael Gray across five seasons of the acclaimed BBC series, confirmed he will not reprise his role in the upcoming movie. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter on February 27, 2025, Cole shared his excitement for the project but revealed, “I’m finally going to get to watch it as a fan,” signaling his absence from the cast. This follows news of other key absences, such as Kate Phillips as Linda Shelby and Sam Claflin as Oswald Mosley, leaving fans to grapple with a transformed ensemble for what creator Steven Knight calls an “explosive chapter” in the Peaky Blinders story. This article dives deep into The Immortal Man, analyzing its anticipated plot, the impact of Cole’s departure, the evolving cast, and what the film means for the franchise’s legacy, all while exploring the cultural phenomenon that is Peaky Blinders.

The Immortal Man: A New Chapter in the Peaky Saga

The Immortal Man, directed by Tom Harper and written by series creator Steven Knight, is billed as an “epic continuation” of the Peaky Blinders television series (2013–2022), which chronicled the rise of Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) and his Birmingham-based gang in the turbulent post-World War I era. Set during World War II, specifically in 1940 amid the Luftwaffe’s relentless bombing of Birmingham, the film promises heightened stakes and a cinematic scale. Knight told Screen Rant on March 30, 2025, “The stakes are higher. People don’t know if they’re going to live until tomorrow morning. There’s a lot of hedonism, there’s a lot of fatalism, and you’re throwing into that Tommy Shelby, who was having his own existential crisis”.

Filming wrapped in December 2024, with Netflix teasing a release in late 2025 or early 2026. The film, shot in the UK at locations like Digbeth Loc Studios and St Helens, Merseyside, benefits from a larger budget, allowing for a more immersive portrayal of wartime Birmingham. Knight emphasized the cast as “the best British cast we could possibly have gotten,” hinting at a blend of returning favorites and new heavyweights. Confirmed returnees include Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, Sophie Rundle as Ada Thorne, Stephen Graham as Hayden Stagg, Ned Dennehy as Charlie Strong, Packy Lee as Johnny Dogs, and Ian Peck as Curly. Newcomers Rebecca Ferguson, Barry Keoghan, Tim Roth, and Jay Lycurgo join in undisclosed roles, sparking speculation about their characters, with some theorizing Keoghan could play an aged-up Duke Shelby, Tommy’s illegitimate son introduced in Season 6.

Finn Cole’s Absence: A Fan’s Perspective

Finn Cole’s confirmation that he won’t return as Michael Gray, shared during his The Hollywood Reporter interview, has stirred emotions among fans. “I’d love to say that the ghost of Michael comes back, but no, I don’t know anything about the movie,” Cole said. “It seems like there’s a whole new cast, and I have no idea what happens in it. So I’m finally going to get to watch it as a fan that I’ve always been, and I can’t wait. I think it’s going to be brilliant”. His enthusiasm for the project, despite his absence, reflects his deep connection to the series, where he played a pivotal role from Seasons 2 to 6.

Michael Gray, introduced as Polly Gray’s (Helen McCrory) long-lost son, evolved from a loyal Shelby lieutenant to a tragic antagonist. Initially handling legal affairs for the family’s criminal empire, Michael grew resentful of Tommy’s dominance, culminating in a Season 6 gang war where he vowed revenge for his mother’s death. The finale saw Tommy kill Michael, a decision influenced by McCrory’s passing in 2021, which forced Knight to rewrite the season’s scripts. Cole reflected on this shift, noting to The Hollywood Reporter that the conflict felt organic, as “the next generation are the most dangerous people because they come with new ideas”.

Michael’s death in Season 6 makes his absence logical, but fans had hoped for a spectral return, given Tommy’s recurring visions of ghosts like Grace Shelby. Cole’s comments dash those hopes, and his exit joins other notable absences. Kate Phillips, who played Linda Shelby, confirmed to Radio Times that “it didn’t pan out” for her return, expressing excitement for the film regardless. Sam Claflin, whose chilling portrayal of fascist Oswald Mosley captivated audiences, also won’t return, as the film’s 1940 setting aligns with Mosley’s declining influence during World War II. These absences suggest The Immortal Man aims for a standalone narrative, balancing legacy characters with new faces to appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.

Michael Gray’s Legacy: A Tragic Arc

Michael Gray’s journey in Peaky Blinders was a masterclass in character development, brought to life by Cole’s nuanced performance. Introduced in Season 2 as a wide-eyed youth reconnecting with his mother, Michael rose through the Shelby ranks, handling legal matters and earning Tommy’s trust. However, his ambition and sense of betrayal—particularly after Polly’s death—turned him against his cousin. Cole told The Hollywood Reporter that Cillian Murphy’s advice shaped his approach: “Tommy has all these threats around him at all times. That’s the life he leads”. Michael’s rebellion embodied the danger of the “next generation,” challenging Tommy’s control.

The Season 6 gang war, though not originally planned, became a fitting climax, with Michael’s death underscoring the cost of betrayal in the Shelby world. Fans on X praised Cole’s intensity, with @PeakyFan123 tweeting, “Finn Cole made Michael Gray unforgettable—such a tragic, complex character.” His absence in The Immortal Man leaves a void, particularly for those invested in the Shelby family’s internal conflicts, but Cole’s excitement as a fan suggests the film will deliver a fresh perspective.

Plot Expectations: Tommy Shelby’s Wartime Odyssey

While plot details remain closely guarded, Steven Knight has teased that The Immortal Man will be “an explosive chapter in the Peaky Blinders story. No holds barred. Full-on Peaky Blinders at war”. Set in 1940, the film places Tommy Shelby in a Birmingham ravaged by Luftwaffe bombings, amplifying the series’ themes of survival and ambition. The Season 6 finale saw Tommy, freshly cleared of a false terminal diagnosis orchestrated by Oswald Mosley, ride off on a white horse, intent on a new life after dismantling his empire. The film will likely explore whether Tommy seeks redemption or returns to his criminal roots, confronting “the ghosts of his past” in a world at war.

Knight’s comments to NME suggest a focus on the “new generation,” with characters introduced in Season 6, like Duke Shelby, playing significant roles. Barry Keoghan’s mysterious character, glimpsed in set photos alongside Murphy, could be an aged-up Duke, bringing fresh conflict. Rebecca Ferguson’s undisclosed role has sparked speculation, with some theorizing she could play a wartime figure, perhaps a government official or rival gang leader, given her Mission: Impossible gravitas. The return of Ada Thorne (Sophie Rundle) as the family matriarch suggests a continuation of her Season 6 leadership, while Stephen Graham’s Hayden Stagg, a union leader, may tie into labor struggles amid the war.

The film’s wartime setting opens possibilities for historical integration, much like the series’ use of real events like the 1919 IRA conflicts and Mosley’s fascist rise. The bombing of Birmingham could mirror Tommy’s internal turmoil, with Knight noting “a lot of hedonism” and “fatalism” shaping the narrative. Fans expect a character-driven story, with Tommy grappling with his legacy, possibly culminating in a definitive end to his journey.

The Evolving Cast: New and Returning Faces

The Immortal Man boasts a stellar ensemble, blending Peaky Blinders veterans with A-list newcomers. Cillian Murphy’s return as Tommy Shelby is the cornerstone, with the Oscar winner expressing gratitude for the role: “It seems like Tommy Shelby wasn’t finished with me”. Sophie Rundle’s Ada Thorne, now the family’s anchor, will likely drive emotional stakes, while Ned Dennehy, Packy Lee, and Ian Peck reprise their roles as Charlie Strong, Johnny Dogs, and Curly, providing continuity for the gang’s loyal core. Stephen Graham’s Hayden Stagg, introduced in Season 6, adds a gritty edge, with Graham’s acclaimed performances in The Irishman enhancing anticipation.

Newcomers Rebecca Ferguson, Barry Keoghan, Tim Roth, and Jay Lycurgo bring star power. Ferguson’s role remains a mystery, but her versatility suggests a formidable presence, perhaps a wartime adversary. Keoghan, fresh off Saltburn, could embody a younger, rebellious Shelby, with set photos showing him in period attire alongside Murphy. Roth and Lycurgo’s roles are undisclosed, but their casting signals Knight’s ambition for a cinematic leap. Notably absent is Paul Anderson as Arthur Shelby, possibly due to his 2024 drug-related legal issues, a loss fans lament given Arthur’s volatile charm.

Production and Creative Vision

Directed by Tom Harper, who helmed Season 1 episodes, The Immortal Man benefits from a larger budget, allowing for enhanced production values. Filming from September to December 2024 in the UK, including Knight’s Digbeth Loc Studios, captured Birmingham’s wartime grit. Knight, also a producer alongside Murphy, described the first edit as “mind-blowingly good,” praising the cast’s performances. Harper echoed this, telling Netflix Tudum, “There’s a great feeling of anticipation and excitement amongst our outstanding cast and crew”.

The film’s theatrical release, confirmed by Knight, marks a shift from Netflix’s typical streaming model, aiming for Oscar eligibility and a communal fan experience. The title, The Immortal Man, possibly revealed by hair and makeup designer Nadia Stacey, may reflect Tommy’s enduring mythos or a new character’s rise.

Critical and Fan Expectations

Peaky Blinders enjoys a stellar reputation, with Seasons 2, 3, and 6 earning 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. The film’s promise of a “step up” in scale has fans buzzing, with @ShelbyFanatic on X tweeting, “Cillian and Knight are unbeatable. The Immortal Man is gonna be epic!” Cole’s endorsement, despite his absence, adds optimism: “Steven and Cillian are a great, great team, and I don’t doubt that the fans are going to love it”.

However, some fans express disappointment over missing characters. @PeakyLad88 posted, “No Michael, no Linda, no Arthur? Hope the new cast fills the gap.” The shift to a wartime setting and new characters risks alienating purists, but Knight’s track record and Murphy’s gravitas suggest a satisfying conclusion.

The Franchise’s Future

Knight has teased that The Immortal Man is not the end, with two spinoffs in development: one set in Boston post-World War II and another focusing on a young Polly Gray. A potential Season 7, reported by The Sun on April 29, 2025, could explore the “new generation,” though the BBC has not confirmed this. Knight’s vision for a Peaky Blinders universe, possibly including fashion lines, underscores its cultural impact, from inspiring menswear trends to Leo Woodall’s acting aspirations.

Conclusion: A Fan’s Farewell and a New Dawn

Finn Cole’s absence from The Immortal Man marks the end of Michael Gray’s tragic arc, but his excitement as a fan mirrors the anticipation surrounding the film. With Cillian Murphy leading a stellar cast, Steven Knight’s bold script, and Tom Harper’s cinematic vision, The Immortal Man promises to deliver a wartime epic that honors Peaky Blinders’ legacy while forging a new path. As Tommy Shelby navigates a world in chaos, the film offers a chance for closure—or a doorway to future stories. For fans, it’s a bittersweet farewell to beloved characters and a thrilling step into the unknown, set to hit screens in late 2025. By order of the Peaky Blinders, this is one cinematic ride not to be missed.