The streets of Birmingham are calling once more, and this time, the stakes are higher than ever. Fans around the globe are buzzing with anticipation for the highly anticipated New Peaky Blinders Movie, officially titled Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. After an electrifying six-season run that captivated millions, creator Steven Knight is set to deliver a cinematic conclusion that promises to be an explosive and deeply personal chapter in the saga of Tommy Shelby. While the return of Cillian Murphy as the iconic gang leader is a given, one of the most exciting revelations has been the casting of critically acclaimed actor Barry Keoghan as Duke Shelby, Tommy's previously unseen illegitimate son, now leading the gang in a turbulent 1940s setting.
This film isn't just a continuation; it's a bold leap forward, catapulting the infamous Birmingham gang into the throes of World War II. The announcement of Keoghan's pivotal role and the shift to a war-torn 1940s promises a fresh dynamic, reigniting the raw, visceral energy that defined the show's early days. Prepare to delve into everything we know about this monumental cinematic event, exploring the return of beloved characters, the emergence of new leadership, and the dramatic backdrop that will redefine the Shelby legacy.
The Immortal Man Rises Again: What We Know About the New Peaky Blinders Movie
The journey from a TV series finale to a feature film has been a winding one for the Peaky Blinders. Steven Knight had envisioned a movie wrap-up even before the sixth season aired, but global events, notably the COVID-19 pandemic, caused significant delays. Patience, however, has finally paid off. Netflix officially greenlit the project in June 2024, with production kicking off in September and wrapping by the end of last year, a remarkably swift turnaround that speaks volumes about the passion and dedication behind the scenes.
The release schedule for Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man offers fans two opportunities to witness Tommy Shelby's return. The film is set to premiere in select cinemas on March 6, 2026, before making its global debut on Netflix on March 20, 2026. This strategic release ensures that the cinematic grandeur and scale of the Peaky Blinders universe can be fully appreciated on the big screen, a fitting tribute to the show's incredible visual style.
Key figures from the series are making their triumphant return, ensuring creative continuity and a deep understanding of the show's intricate narrative. Steven Knight himself has penned the script, promising the sharp dialogue and intricate plotting that are his hallmarks. Season one director Tom Harper, who helped establish the show's distinctive visual language, is also back at the helm, promising a return to the gritty realism and stylish flair that defined the early days of the gang. And, of course, Cillian Murphy, fresh off his Oscar win, reprises his role as Tommy Shelby. Murphy's commitment to the character is evident, stating, "It seems like Tommy Shelby wasn’t finished with me. It is very gratifying to be collaborating with Steven Knight and Tom Harper on the film version of Peaky Blinders. This is one for the fans." He views the film as a "proper bookend to the whole 36 hours of television," suggesting a definitive and impactful conclusion.
The musical landscape, always integral to the Peaky Blinders' atmosphere, will be curated by long-time composers Antony Genn and Martin Slattery, with exciting new contributions from Amy Taylor of Amyl & the Sniffers and members of Fontaines D.C. This blend of familiar sounds and fresh voices guarantees a soundtrack that will be both nostalgic and cutting-edge. The recently released trailer further amplified the excitement, showing Tommy back in Birmingham, clearly driven by "unfinished business." What this business entails, against the backdrop of an impending global war, is a question that has fans eagerly speculating.
Barry Keoghan Steps into the Fray as Duke Shelby: A New Era of Gang Leadership
Perhaps the most significant and surprising reveal for the New Peaky Blinders Movie is the casting of Barry Keoghan as Duke Shelby. Known for his intense and transformative performances in films like Saltburn and The Banshees of Inisherin, Keoghan brings a unique blend of vulnerability and menace that makes him a perfect fit for the Peaky Blinders universe. The trailer confirmed his secretive role: he is Duke, Tommy Shelby’s illegitimate grown son, and crucially, the new leader of the Peaky Blinders gang.
This revelation isn't merely a casting choice; it signifies a massive shift in the narrative. Duke is described as "running the Peaky Blinders like it’s 1919 all over again." This line immediately evokes the raw, desperate, and brutal origins of the gang, suggesting a return to their roots, away from the more sophisticated, political machinations Tommy engaged in during later seasons. It implies Duke embodies a younger, perhaps more impulsive, and certainly more hands-on approach to criminality, mirroring Tommy's own ascent from the trenches of World War I.
The Shelby Legacy: Father-Son Dynamics and a Shifting World
The introduction of Duke, Tommy's "gypsy son," opens up a rich vein of storytelling possibilities. Tommy has always been a character grappling with his past, his identity, and the legacy he leaves behind. His tumultuous relationships with family, particularly his children, have been central to his internal conflicts. The appearance of a grown son, previously unknown to the audience and potentially to Tommy himself, forces a profound reckoning.
The film's logline further teases this intricate dynamic: "Amidst the chaos of WWII, Tommy Shelby is driven back from a self-imposed exile to face his most destructive reckoning yet. With the future of the family and the country at stake, Tommy must face his own demons, and choose whether to confront his legacy, or burn it to the ground. By order of the Peaky Blinders…" This suggests that Duke isn't just a new character but a catalyst for Tommy to confront his own paternity, his choices, and the very nature of the empire he built. Will Tommy see a reflection of his younger, more ruthless self in Duke? Will their relationship be one of mentorship, rivalry, or a desperate battle for control?
The trailer's poignant use of Harry Chapin's 1974 classic "Cat's in the Cradle" powerfully underscores this father-son theme. The song, a melancholic tale of a father too busy for his son who then grows up to emulate his father's distant ways, hints at the complex emotional landscape between Tommy and Duke. It suggests a cycle, perhaps a curse, that Tommy must break or succumb to. This depth of character exploration is a hallmark of Steven Knight's writing, and Keoghan's portrayal of Duke promises to be a central emotional pillar of the film.
Birmingham, 1940: The Peaky Blinders Reboot in a War-Torn World
The time jump to 1940 places the New Peaky Blinders Movie in a dramatically different historical context. The original series began in the immediate aftermath of World War I, exploring the trauma and opportunities of a broken society. Now, the gang finds itself on the precipice of, or already immersed in, another global conflict – World War II. This shift will fundamentally alter the challenges and dynamics facing the Peaky Blinders.
Consider the implications:
- New Threats and Opportunities: The war economy presents both immense risks and lucrative criminal opportunities. Black markets, rationing, government contracts, and the chaos of bombing raids could be fertile ground for the Peaky Blinders. However, it also means dealing with a more vigilant state, potentially new international players, and the moral complexities of profiting from national struggle.
- Patriotism vs. Pragmatism: How will the gang navigate a society galvanized by war? Will they align with the war effort, exploit it, or find themselves in conflict with it? Tommy, with his complex past and strategic mind, could play a vital role in wartime intelligence or resistance, or he could see it as another arena for power.
- The Face of Birmingham: The city itself will be transformed. The industrial heartland of Britain would be a prime target for German bombing, leading to destruction, displacement, and a pervasive sense of anxiety and resilience. The production design and cinematography will undoubtedly reflect this grim reality, making Birmingham almost a character in itself, just as it was in the series' early seasons.
Beyond the "By Order of the Peaky Blinders": What Lies Ahead for Tommy and Duke?
The final season of Peaky Blinders left Tommy Shelby riding off into the sunset, having discovered his terminal brain tumour diagnosis was a malicious fabrication by his enemies. This twist offered him a chance at a new beginning, a path away from his old life. However, the trailer and logline for the New Peaky Blinders Movie clearly state his "self-imposed exile" is over, and he's driven back to Birmingham for a "most destructive reckoning yet."
What does this reckoning entail? Is it a confrontation with lingering enemies from his past, or does it stem from the chaotic new world Duke has created in his absence? The film promises to be a "proper bookend" to the entire saga, implying a definitive conclusion to Tommy's complex journey. Fans will be eager to see if he finally finds peace, whether he accepts the dark legacy he built, or if he'll make a final, desperate attempt to redeem himself and his family. The return of Tommy Shelby, alongside his charismatic, street-smart son Duke, promises a clash of generations and ideologies. Will Tommy guide Duke, challenge him, or perhaps even be challenged by him? The narrative possibilities are rich, hinting at a powerful exploration of legacy, ambition, and the cyclical nature of violence that has always been at the heart of the Peaky Blinders saga.
For more detailed insights into Tommy's ultimate fate and the overarching themes, you might want to explore Tommy Shelby's Final Reckoning: What to Expect in the New Movie.
The New Peaky Blinders Movie, subtitled The Immortal Man, promises to be far more than just a simple sequel. With the introduction of Barry Keoghan as Duke Shelby, a dynamic new leader "running the Peaky Blinders like it’s 1919 all over again," and the dramatic shift to a war-torn 1940s Birmingham, Steven Knight is poised to deliver a cinematic experience that both honors the show's legacy and propels it into a compelling new chapter. Tommy Shelby's return from exile, to face his "most destructive reckoning yet," against the backdrop of a global war and the emergence of his own flesh and blood leading the gang, guarantees a powerful and emotional conclusion. Prepare yourselves, by order of the Peaky Blinders, for a film that promises to be unforgettable.