Get ready, Peaky Blinders fans! The first glimpse of the highly anticipated film has arrived, and it's bringing together two titans of Irish acting: Cillian Murphy and Barry Keoghan. This is a must-see for anyone who's been captivated by the Shelby family's saga. But what does this mean for Tommy Shelby? Let's dive in!
The film's initial teaser, clocking in at a mere 70 seconds, dropped on Netflix on Christmas Eve, and it's already got everyone talking. The clip shows Tommy, played by Murphy, grappling with his identity as the infamous 'gypsy gangster.' The voiceover asks the question on everyone's mind: "Whatever happened to Tommy Shelby?" This leads us to believe that the film will explore his journey after a self-imposed exile, amidst the turmoil of World War II.
In the trailer, Shelby declares, "I'm not that man anymore." We see him walking with his head bowed, still sporting his iconic bakerboy cap, as a female voice implores him to return. This hints at a complex internal struggle and a potential return to his old life.
And this is the part most people miss... The teaser also gives us a sneak peek at Keoghan's character, sporting a white vest and arm tattoos. This suggests a new player entering the already complex world of Peaky Blinders.
The film serves as a continuation of the immensely popular BBC drama, which chronicled the Shelby family's rise to power in Birmingham. The series, which spanned six seasons, took us from the aftermath of World War I through the end of Prohibition in the United States.
We can expect to see familiar faces as Sophie Rundle, Stephen Graham, and Packy Lee reprise their roles. Excitingly, new additions to the cast include Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Roth, and of course, the incredibly talented Barry Keoghan.
Behind the camera, Tom Harper directs, and Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, pens the script. Knight is also set to write the next James Bond film, which adds another layer of intrigue to his already impressive resume.
Mark your calendars: Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is set to premiere in cinemas on March 6th of next year and will be available on Netflix starting March 20th.
But here's where it gets controversial... In October, the BBC announced two new spin-off series focusing on a 'new generation of Shelbys.' Set in 1953, years after the events of the film, the spin-off will be filmed at Digbeth Loc Studios in Birmingham. Murphy, now 49, will return as an executive producer, but his role as the protagonist is yet to be confirmed.
This spin-off is just the latest expansion of the Peaky Blinders universe, following a ballet by Rambert Studios.
The sixth series, initially billed as the final series, saw Tommy nearly take his own life after receiving false information about a brain tumor.
Peaky Blinders first aired on BBC Two in 2013 before finding a global audience on Netflix in 2014. The show catapulted Murphy to international fame, alongside co-stars like Tom Hardy, Anya Taylor-Joy, and the late Helen McCrory.
The drama, which also spurred a resurgence in the popularity of the flat cap, moved to BBC One in 2019 after winning a Bafta for best drama series for its fourth season.
What are your thoughts on the upcoming Peaky Blinders film and the new spin-off? Do you think Tommy Shelby will ever truly escape his past? Share your opinions in the comments below!
