The gritty streets of Birmingham are set to ignite once more as Peaky Blinders, the beloved British crime drama, makes its triumphant leap to the big screen with The Immortal Man. Since its debut in 2013, the series has captivated audiences with its raw depiction of the Shelby family’s rise from post-World War I gangsters to power players in a turbulent England. Now, after six critically acclaimed seasons, creator Steven Knight is delivering what promises to be an explosive cinematic chapter set during World War II. With production wrapping in December 2024 and a release slated for late 2025 or early 2026, fans are buzzing with anticipation over which familiar faces from the original cast will don their flat caps for this final hurrah. Cillian Murphy’s return as the indomitable Tommy Shelby is a given, but who else from the Shelby clan and their allies will join him? And what do the new additions—Hollywood heavyweights like Barry Keoghan, Rebecca Ferguson, and Tim Roth—mean for the story? Let’s dive into the confirmed cast, the absentees, and what their roles might reveal about The Immortal Man, all while exploring why this film is poised to be a fitting crescendo for the Peaky Blinders saga.

The Heart of the Shelby Empire: Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby

At the core of The Immortal Man is Cillian Murphy, reprising his iconic role as Thomas “Tommy” Shelby, the cunning and haunted leader of the Peaky Blinders. Murphy, now 48 and fresh off an Oscar win for Oppenheimer in 2023, has been synonymous with Tommy since the series began. His portrayal—marked by piercing blue eyes, calculated ruthlessness, and a vulnerability that humanizes the gangster—transformed him into a global star. “It seems like Tommy Shelby wasn’t finished with me,” Murphy told Netflix in June 2024, confirming his return with a nod to the fans. “It is very gratifying to be re-collaborating with Steven Knight and Tom Harper on the film version of Peaky Blinders. This is one for the fans.”

Murphy’s involvement goes beyond acting; he’s also a producer, signaling his deep investment in the project. First-look images from September 2024 show him back in character, sporting a greying Tommy in a dusty black coat, riding a horse—a nod to the Shelby family’s Romani roots. Set during World War II, the film picks up years after the 1934 timeline of Season 6, where Tommy rode off into the sunset after surviving a false terminal diagnosis. Knight has teased an “explosive chapter” with “no holds barred,” suggesting Tommy will face new challenges in a war-torn world. Murphy’s return anchors the film, ensuring the Shelby saga retains its emotional and strategic core.

The Returning Shelby Allies: A Family Reunion

The Peaky Blinders movie isn’t just Tommy’s story—it’s a tale of family, loyalty, and betrayal. Netflix and BBC Film have confirmed several key cast members from the original series are returning, each bringing depth to the Shelby universe. Here’s who’s back:

Sophie Rundle as Ada Shelby

Sophie Rundle reprises her role as Ada Shelby, Tommy’s fiercely intelligent sister who evolved from a reluctant accomplice to a pivotal leader in Season 6. Ada, who took the reins of the Shelby Company Limited after Tommy’s departure, is a fan favorite for her resilience and moral compass. Rundle’s return, announced in October 2024, suggests Ada will play a significant role, possibly as a political figure given her arc toward activism. Her presence ensures the Shelby family’s emotional stakes remain high, especially as she navigates the wartime chaos alongside her brother.

Stephen Graham as Hayden Stagg

Stephen Graham, who joined in Season 6 as the gritty dockworker and union leader Hayden Stagg, is confirmed to return. His antagonistic yet layered dynamic with Tommy—marked by a tense opium smuggling subplot—hints at unresolved conflicts. Graham, known for This Is England and Boiling Point, brings a raw intensity that could see Stagg stepping into a larger role, especially with uncertainties around other characters. Fans speculate he might fill a void left by absent Shelby brothers, given his similar volatile energy.

Ned Dennehy as Charlie Strong

Ned Dennehy’s Charlie Strong, the Shelby family’s uncle figure and dockside ally, is back to lend his gruff wisdom. A constant presence across all six seasons, Charlie’s loyalty to Tommy and his logistical role in the gang’s operations make him indispensable. Dennehy’s return, confirmed in October 2024, promises more of Charlie’s practical support, perhaps managing wartime smuggling or horse-related schemes. His weathered presence grounds the film in the series’ early days.

Packy Lee as Johnny Dogs

Packy Lee returns as Johnny Dogs, Tommy’s Romani cousin and loyal confidant. Johnny’s roguish charm and knack for survival made him a standout, and his confirmed role in The Immortal Man suggests he’ll be by Tommy’s side for the film’s high-stakes schemes. Lee’s performance, blending humor and heart, is a fan favorite, and his return ensures the Peaky Blinders’ nomadic spirit endures.

Ian Peck as Curly

Ian Peck’s Curly, Charlie Strong’s gentle assistant, is another returning face. Often seen tending horses or aiding in the gang’s logistics, Curly’s quiet loyalty adds warmth to the Shelby circle. His inclusion, announced alongside other veterans, hints at a story that honors the gang’s roots while tackling new challenges. Curly’s presence may tie into wartime operations, possibly involving the docks or black-market dealings.

These returns signal a commitment to continuity, surrounding Tommy with familiar allies who embody the series’ themes of family and survival. Their roles suggest a story rooted in the Shelby legacy, with Ada’s leadership, Stagg’s edge, and the trio of Charlie, Johnny, and Curly anchoring the gang’s gritty operations.

The Missing Shelby Pieces: Notable Absences

While the return of these characters is thrilling, several key figures from the series are notably absent—at least for now. The most glaring uncertainty surrounds Paul Anderson’s Arthur Shelby, Tommy’s volatile older brother. Anderson’s portrayal of Arthur, a tortured soul battling addiction and trauma, was central to the series’ emotional weight. However, concerns about Anderson’s personal struggles with substance abuse, which mirror Arthur’s, have cast doubt on his return. In early 2024, reports surfaced of Anderson looking “rough” outside a court, and Reddit threads on the Peaky Blinders subreddit expressed worry, with one user noting, “I wish Paul Anderson could get himself together so he could be part of it, but he’s just way too much of a liability.” Despite Steven Knight’s 2022 comment to Digital Spy that Arthur would feature in the film, no official confirmation has emerged, leaving fans anxious about his fate.

Another absence is Kate Phillips as Linda Shelby, Arthur’s ex-wife. Phillips confirmed in a February 2025 Radio Times interview that she won’t return, saying, “There were discussions and then it didn’t pan out.” She expressed gratitude for her time on the show but acknowledged the unpredictable nature of acting. Linda’s exit makes sense narratively, given her Season 6 departure, but it further dims hopes for Arthur’s involvement.

Anya Taylor-Joy, who played the scheming Gina Gray, is also unlikely to return due to her packed schedule, including Furiosa and The Menu. With her character’s husband, Michael Gray, killed off in Season 6, Gina’s absence feels logical, though fans miss her electric presence. Similarly, Tom Hardy’s Alfie Solomons, the unpredictable Camden Town gangster, remains unconfirmed. Hardy has expressed enthusiasm for reprising Alfie, who survived Season 6, but Netflix and Knight have stayed silent. Fans hope for a surprise cameo, given Alfie’s fan-favorite status and Hardy’s real-life connection to the cast (his wife, Charlotte Riley, played May Carleton).

The late Helen McCrory, who portrayed the formidable Aunt Polly, is another irreplaceable loss. McCrory’s death in 2021 left a void, and while Polly’s spirit looms large, she won’t appear in the film. Sam Neill’s Chester Campbell, killed in Season 2, is also out, as is Benjamin Zephaniah’s Jeremiah Jesus, who passed away in 2023. These absences underscore the challenge of continuing the story without some of its most iconic voices.

New Faces in Birmingham: Star Power Joins the Fray

The Immortal Man isn’t just relying on nostalgia—it’s injecting fresh energy with high-profile newcomers. Rebecca Ferguson, known for Dune and Mission: Impossible, joined in July 2024, followed by Barry Keoghan (Saltburn, The Banshees of Inisherin) in August. Tim Roth (Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs) and Jay Lycurgo (Titans, The Batman) were announced in September and October, respectively. Their roles remain undisclosed, but their star power suggests significant parts—perhaps as wartime allies, enemies, or government figures clashing with the Peaky Blinders.

Ferguson could play a formidable antagonist, given her knack for complex characters, while Keoghan’s intense energy might suit a rival gangster or a young recruit. Roth, a veteran of gritty roles, could embody a wartime official or a criminal mastermind. Lycurgo, a rising star, might represent Knight’s “new generation,” possibly a younger Shelby or a fresh face tied to the war effort. Knight teased more casting surprises at a September 2024 convention, hinting at additional big names.

What the Cast Tells Us About the Story

The mix of returning and new cast members offers clues about The Immortal Man’s narrative. Set during World War II, the film jumps forward from Season 6’s 1934 timeline, likely featuring a five-year gap to align with the series’ tradition of time skips. Tommy, now greying, appears older and battle-worn, suggesting a story of redemption as Knight has long envisioned. Ada’s return points to a focus on family leadership, possibly exploring her political ambitions or her role in the Shelby empire. The presence of Charlie, Johnny, and Curly ties the film to the gang’s roots, hinting at wartime smuggling or black-market schemes.

Stephen Graham’s Hayden Stagg, introduced in Season 6, suggests continuity with newer storylines, potentially replacing Arthur’s chaotic energy if Anderson doesn’t return. The new cast members indicate a broader scope—perhaps international conflicts or government intrigue, given the WWII setting. Knight’s promise of an “untold story” involving the Peaky Blinders in the war could mean espionage, resistance efforts, or clashes with global powers. The title, The Immortal Man, possibly alludes to Tommy’s enduring legacy or his ability to cheat death, as seen in Season 6’s twist.

The Stakes: Why This Film Matters

The Immortal Man, directed by Tom Harper (Wild Rose, Season 1) and written by Knight, is billed as the “cap” to the Shelby saga, though Knight has hinted at future spinoffs. With a bigger budget, Knight plans to “blow stuff up,” promising a cinematic spectacle that surpasses the series’ TV constraints. The film’s impact extends beyond entertainment, boosting Birmingham’s economy through filming at Digbeth Loc Studios. West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker praised its global influence, noting, “Peaky Blinders has put our region on the international stage.”

For fans, the return of Murphy, Rundle, Graham, and others ensures the film honors the series’ legacy, while new stars like Keoghan and Ferguson elevate its ambition. The absence of Anderson and others stings, but the confirmed cast—combined with Knight’s vision—promises a thrilling conclusion. As one X user put it, “Seeing Cillian back as Tommy with Barry Keoghan in the mix? It just feels right.” Whether The Immortal Man delivers redemption for Tommy or chaos for the Peaky Blinders, it’s poised to be a cinematic event that fans won’t soon forget.