The razor-sharp caps are back on the streets of Birmingham. After four years since the emotional finale of the acclaimed BBC/Netflix series Peaky Blinders, the Shelby family saga continues in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, a feature film that promises to deliver Tommy Shelby’s most perilous chapter yet. Written by series creator Steven Knight and directed by Tom Harper, the movie is set to premiere in select theaters on March 6, 2026, before arriving globally on Netflix on March 20, 2026. With Cillian Murphy reprising his iconic role as the brooding, brilliant gangster Thomas Shelby, the film thrusts viewers into the chaos of World War II-era Britain, where old demons, family betrayals, and national threats collide in a high-stakes reckoning.
The story picks up in 1940, amid the Blitz and the escalating horrors of the Second World War. Tommy Shelby, having retreated into self-imposed exile after the tumultuous events of Season 6—where he appeared to meet a tragic end—finds himself drawn back to a bombed-out Birmingham. His estranged illegitimate son, Duke Shelby (now grown and portrayed by Barry Keoghan), has taken the reins of the Peaky Blinders organization, running it with reckless abandon reminiscent of the gang’s early, brutal days in 1919. Duke’s involvement in a dangerous Nazi plot forces Tommy to emerge from the shadows, not just to protect his family but to safeguard the nation itself. The narrative weaves personal vendettas with secret wartime missions inspired by true historical events, blending the gritty crime drama fans loved with larger geopolitical intrigue.
Knight’s screenplay maintains the signature Peaky Blinders style: razor-sharp dialogue, atmospheric tension, and themes of power, loyalty, and the psychological scars of war. Tommy, ever the strategist, must confront his past sins while navigating a world where the lines between ally and enemy blur under the shadow of fascism. The film explores whether Tommy can truly escape his violent legacy or if it’s destined to consume him—and those he loves—once more. Trailers tease explosive confrontations, shadowy alliances, and the return of familiar faces amid new threats, all underscored by the haunting refrain that Tommy Shelby was “never destined to be a normal, mortal man.”
Murphy’s return as Tommy is the film’s biggest draw. Fresh off his Oscar-winning performance in Oppenheimer, the actor slips back into the role with effortless intensity. Fans have long hailed Murphy as the definitive Tommy—his piercing blue eyes, measured cadence, and quiet menace capturing the character’s complexity: a war-haunted veteran, political manipulator, and fiercely protective patriarch. The film positions Tommy as both savior and potential destroyer, forcing him to reckon with the consequences of his choices across decades.
The ensemble cast blends returning favorites with fresh talent that has fans buzzing. Sophie Rundle reprises her role as Ada Thorne (née Shelby), Tommy’s sharp-witted sister, who delivers a key line in the trailer warning him about Duke’s reckless leadership. Ned Dennehy, Packy Lee, and Ian Peck return as core Peaky Blinders members Charlie Strong, Johnny Dogs, and Curly, bringing continuity to the gang’s inner circle. Stephen Graham also reprises a role, adding gravitas to the ensemble.
Among the new additions, one name stands out as particularly intriguing: Barry Keoghan as Duke Shelby. Introduced briefly in Season 6 as Tommy’s illegitimate son with a gypsy heritage, Duke now emerges as a full-fledged antagonist—or perhaps a tragic mirror—of his father. Keoghan, riding high from acclaimed performances in Saltburn and The Banshees of Inisherin, brings a volatile, unpredictable energy that contrasts sharply with Murphy’s controlled demeanor. Their father-son dynamic promises electric tension: two men shaped by the same ruthless world, yet divided by ambition and resentment. Trailers hint at a generational clash, with Duke embodying the unchecked chaos Tommy once unleashed, forcing a confrontation that could redefine the Shelby legacy.
Other newcomers include Rebecca Ferguson in a mysterious role (listed as Kaulo in some sources), bringing her commanding presence from Dune and action thrillers, and Tim Roth as Beckett, likely a formidable adversary or wartime figure. Jay Lycurgo rounds out the additions, contributing to the expanded world of wartime Birmingham.
Visually, the film expands the Peaky Blinders aesthetic into a bigger canvas. Production designer Grant Montgomery and cinematographer Cathal Watters recreate a war-ravaged Birmingham with authenticity—rubble-strewn streets, blackout curtains, and the constant hum of air-raid sirens—while retaining the series’ stylish flair: tailored suits, cigarette smoke curling in dim light, and the ever-present flat caps. The soundtrack, featuring a mix of period-appropriate pieces and anthemic scores, continues the tradition of anachronistic yet fitting needle drops that defined the show.
The release strategy reflects Netflix’s hybrid approach to prestige content: a limited theatrical run starting March 6 allows fans to experience the film’s scope on the big screen, followed by global streaming on March 20. This two-week window builds buzz and gives audiences time to catch it in cinemas before it becomes a binge-watch staple.
Anticipation has reached fever pitch since the official trailer dropped in February 2026, with fans dissecting every frame for clues about Tommy’s fate, Duke’s arc, and potential cameos. Social media erupts with excitement over Murphy’s return—”Cillian was born for this role”—and Keoghan’s casting, with many calling it a “perfect generational clash.” The film’s timing, amid renewed interest in historical dramas, positions it as a major event for Netflix subscribers.
The Immortal Man isn’t just a nostalgic revival—it’s a bold evolution of the Peaky Blinders universe. With secrets unearthed, enemies closing in, and Tommy facing his most destructive reckoning, this chapter promises to test the limits of loyalty, power, and redemption. Whether Tommy emerges victorious or finally succumbs to the forces he’s long outrun, one thing is certain: the Shelby saga marches on, and by order of the Peaky Blinders, the world will be watching.
