The world of Peaky Blinders is no stranger to shock and awe, but the latest revelations about the upcoming Netflix film, often referred to as the culmination of the series’ legacy, have sent fans into a frenzy. After six gripping seasons, the British crime saga, set in the gritty streets of post-World War I Birmingham, is transitioning to the big screen with a feature film titled The Immortal Man. Leading the charge are Cillian Murphy, reprising his iconic role as the cunning Tommy Shelby, and Tom Hardy, returning as the unpredictable Alfie Solomons. However, it’s not just their return that has the fandom buzzing—it’s the surprising new roles and unexpected responsibilities both actors are taking on behind the scenes that are stealing the spotlight. With production wrapping and a first-look image sparking wild speculation, the Peaky Blinders movie promises to be an explosive chapter that redefines the Shelby legacy.
The Peaky Blinders series, created by Steven Knight, captivated audiences from 2013 to 2022 with its stylish blend of historical drama, gangster intrigue, and raw emotional depth. Centered on the Shelby family’s rise from small-time criminals to a powerful criminal empire, the show blended razor-sharp dialogue, stunning cinematography, and a modern soundtrack to create an unforgettable atmosphere. Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Tommy Shelby, the war-haunted patriarch with a razor blade sewn into his cap, became a cultural phenomenon, earning him global acclaim and, later, an Oscar for Oppenheimer. Tom Hardy’s Alfie Solomons, the volatile Jewish gang leader introduced in Season 2, added a layer of chaotic brilliance, his scenes with Murphy crackling with tension and dark humor. Fans have long hoped for one final showdown between these two titans, and the film, set to premiere on Netflix in 2026, seems poised to deliver.
The first major bombshell came in June 2024 when Netflix confirmed the movie, with Murphy officially returning as Tommy Shelby. “It seems like Tommy Shelby wasn’t finished with me,” Murphy said in a statement, echoing the sentiments of fans who felt the Season 6 finale left Tommy’s story tantalizingly open-ended. That ending saw Tommy riding off on a white horse, believed dead by the world, ready to start anew after surviving a false terminal diagnosis. The film, set during World War II, promises to drag him back into the fray, with creator Steven Knight teasing an “explosive chapter” that’s “full-on Peaky Blinders at war.” Production began in September 2024 in Birmingham’s Digbeth area and wrapped by December, with a first-look photo of Murphy alongside new cast member Barry Keoghan fueling excitement.
What truly set the internet ablaze, however, was the revelation that both Murphy and Hardy are taking on significant behind-the-scenes roles. Murphy, already a producer on the series, has stepped up as a producer for The Immortal Man, giving him creative influence over the project’s direction. This marks a bold new chapter for the Irish actor, who has expressed a deep connection to Tommy Shelby, a role he fought to secure over a decade ago. His producing role suggests a hands-on approach to ensuring the film honors the series’ legacy while pushing boundaries. Fans speculate this could mean a darker, more introspective Tommy, grappling with the moral weight of his empire during wartime—a period that mirrors his own traumatic past as a World War I veteran.
Hardy, meanwhile, is not only returning as Alfie Solomons but also serving as an executive producer, a move that has fans buzzing with theories about Alfie’s arc. Hardy’s Alfie was last seen in Season 4, shot by Tommy on a beach, though his survival was ambiguously confirmed in later seasons through letters and mentions. His return in the film, teased by Hardy himself in an April 2025 interview where he coyly said, “Alfie will definitely make an appearance, but I don’t know when,” promises more of his signature blend of menace and wit. As an executive producer, Hardy is reportedly shaping Alfie’s storyline to ensure it complements the “new generation” of characters Knight has introduced. This dual role has sparked speculation that Alfie could play a pivotal part in the wartime narrative, perhaps as an ally or rival in a conflict that tests Tommy’s loyalties.
The unexpected responsibilities don’t stop there. Rumors swirling on platforms like X suggest that both actors have been involved in mentoring younger cast members, including Barry Keoghan, whose mysterious role alongside Tommy in the first-look photo has fans guessing. Keoghan, known for The Banshees of Inisherin and Saltburn, sports a newsboy cap similar to Tommy’s, hinting at a protégé or rival dynamic. Other confirmed returning cast members include Sophie Rundle as Ada Shelby, who took over the family business in Season 6, Stephen Graham as Hayden Stagg, and Ned Dennehy as Charlie Strong. New faces like Rebecca Ferguson and Tim Roth, whose roles remain undisclosed, add intrigue, with fans theorizing they could play wartime figures or new adversaries.
The film’s World War II setting opens up thrilling possibilities. Knight has hinted at a story that explores the Shelby family navigating radical social, economic, and political changes, with Tommy likely facing off against larger forces—perhaps even fascist elements, given the series’ prior inclusion of Oswald Mosley. This backdrop could see Charlie Weasley’s dragon expertise repurposed for wartime efforts, though this remains speculative. Murphy’s producing role suggests he’s keen to emphasize Tommy’s psychological complexity, perhaps delving deeper into his PTSD and the guilt over losses like Polly Gray, played by the late Helen McCrory, whose absence looms large. Hardy’s influence as executive producer might amplify Alfie’s anarchic energy, potentially tying his Jewish gang towartime resistance or black-market schemes.
Fan reactions have been electric, with social media exploding in memes and theories. One X post declared, “Cillian and Tom producing? This is gonna be Tommy and Alfie like we’ve never seen them—wartime chaos incoming!” Another fan speculated, “If Murphy’s producing, expect Tommy to be more haunted than ever. Hardy’s Alfie is probably cooking up some mad scheme.” The first-look photo, showing Murphy’s steely-eyed Tommy and Keoghan’s enigmatic character, has been dissected for clues, with fans noting Tommy’s older, weathered appearance as a nod to the wartime timeline. The image, coupled with Knight’s promise of “no holds barred” storytelling, suggests a film that balances the series’ gritty violence with emotional depth.
Of course, the transition from series to film isn’t without challenges. Some fans worry the movie might struggle to recapture the series’ intimate family dynamics in a larger wartime scope. Others question whether new characters will overshadow beloved originals like Arthur Shelby (Paul Anderson) or Lizzie Stark (Natasha O’Keeffe), whose involvement remains unconfirmed. Director Tom Harper, who helmed Season 1, brings a familiar touch, but the shift to a cinematic scale demands visual grandeur. Early reports indicate advanced CGI for wartime sequences, possibly including air raids or battle scenes, which could elevate the stakes beyond the series’ street-level brawls.
The involvement of Murphy and Hardy behind the scenes reassures fans that the film will stay true to the Peaky Blinders ethos. Their chemistry, seen in iconic scenes like Alfie’s betrayal in Season 2 or their tense standoff in Season 4, is a cornerstone of the series’ appeal. Murphy’s introspective approach and Hardy’s unpredictable energy promise a dynamic collaboration, both on-screen and off. As producers, they’re likely advocating for the series’ signature style—think moody lighting, sharp suits, and Nick Cave anthems—while introducing fresh faces to carry the story forward.
With filming complete and Netflix eyeing a 2026 release, anticipation is at fever pitch. The Peaky Blinders movie isn’t just a continuation—it’s a reinvention, with Murphy and Hardy’s new roles signaling a bold vision. Their unexpected responsibilities as producers, combined with their on-screen reunion, have fans buzzing with excitement for what promises to be a bloody, brilliant farewell to the Shelby clan. As one fan put it, “By order of the Peaky Blinders, this film’s gonna cut deep.” Get ready for Tommy and Alfie to light up the screen—and the streets of Birmingham—once more.
