The highly anticipated film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man premieres on Netflix today, March 20, 2026, continuing the saga of Tommy Shelby and the Birmingham gang after the conclusion of the series in April 2022. The film finds Shelby drawn out of retirement by a modern threat, set against the backdrop of World War II.
The character of Tommy Shelby, portrayed by Cillian Murphy, is rooted in the post-World War I landscape of Birmingham, evolving from a local racketeer to a criminal, economic and political force. According to creator Steven Knight, the character emerged organically, less from a pre-defined plan and more like “having a dream.” Knight has described Tommy as representing a generation of men who concealed their emotions, “locked boxes” that he found compelling to explore.
Central to the Peaky Blinders’ rise was Shelby’s family. His brother, Arthur Shelby (Paul Anderson), while formally the eldest, consistently deferred to Tommy’s strategic control. Arthur’s struggles with trauma, addiction, and violence were a recurring theme throughout the series. John Shelby (Joe Cole), the third brother, was known for his quickness to violence and loyalty to Tommy, but was killed by Luca Changretta’s men in the fourth season. Ada Shelby (Sophie Rundle), the only sister, initially distanced herself from the family’s criminal activities but became increasingly involved, particularly as Tommy withdrew.
The influence of Aunt Polly Gray (Helen McCrory) was pivotal. As the family’s treasurer and a voice of political and familial conscience, Polly often served as a counterweight to Tommy’s decisions. Her death, occurring off-screen before the sixth season due to the passing of actress Helen McCrory, significantly altered the family dynamics and fueled Michael’s vendetta. Charlie Strong (Ned Dennehy), Tommy’s uncle, provided a stable and trusted presence, representing the family’s working-class origins.
Michael Gray (Finn Cole), Polly’s son, entered the series as an outsider and ultimately became Tommy’s primary internal rival. His ambition and conflict with Tommy culminated in a confrontation in Canada, resulting in Michael’s death at Tommy’s hand. Finn Shelby (Harry Kirton), the youngest brother, remained largely on the periphery of major decisions, and was ultimately ostracized from the family’s inner circle.
Several key women shaped Tommy Shelby’s life. Lizzie Stark (Natasha O’Keeffe) evolved from a prostitute to Tommy’s secretary and, eventually, his wife, though their relationship remained haunted by his past. Grace Burgess (Annabelle Wallis), an undercover agent who infiltrated the Peaky Blinders, became Tommy’s great love, and her death remained a defining trauma for him.
Beyond the Shelby family, a series of antagonists challenged Tommy’s power. Chester Campbell (Sam Neill), a ruthless inspector tasked with recovering stolen weapons, was the initial adversary. Later figures included Darby Sabini (Noah Taylor), a London gang boss; Alfie Solomons (Tom Hardy), a complex and unpredictable ally and enemy; Luca Changretta (Adrien Brody), a vengeful Italian-American mobster; and Oswald Mosley (Sam Claflin), a fascist politician.
The film introduces Duke Shelby (Barry Keoghan), Tommy’s illegitimate son, who was revealed in the sixth season. Having grown up outside the family, Duke embodies a more ruthless side of the Shelby legacy and is positioned as a central figure in The Immortal Man, effectively inheriting his father’s criminal empire.
As of today, March 20, 2026, the future of the Peaky Blinders remains unresolved, with the film’s outcome poised to determine the next chapter for the Shelby family and their legacy.
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