The world of Peaky Blinders is far from over, as creator Steven Knight has offered new insights into the highly anticipated movie—while also teasing future spin-offs.
In a recent interview with the New York Post, Knight confirmed that the upcoming film will see Tommy Shelby face off against a formidable new enemy: the Nazis. Set during the early years of the Second World War, before the United States entered the conflict, the film will depict a period when Britain stood alone against Germany and Italy. With Shelby operating in an increasingly dangerous world, the stakes have never been higher.
A new era for Tommy Shelby
The Peaky Blinders movie, which wrapped filming in December, promises to bring a major chapter of the franchise to a dramatic conclusion. However, Knight has reassured fans that this will not be the end of the Peaky Blinders universe.
“The film stands alone, but after the film, we’re going to be doing more stuff,” he told The Standard. “A chapter is a good way of calling it—closing the chapter, not the book.”
This news will be a relief to fans who have followed Tommy Shelby’s journey from Birmingham street thug to political powerhouse. However, many have speculated whether this film will mark the character’s final act.
Knight, ever the master of suspense, remained tight-lipped.
“Who says he’s dead?” he teased. “You’ll see when you see the film. It’s a very fitting end to that chapter.”
Cillian murphy’s impact on set
Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy will once again reprise his role as Tommy Shelby—a performance that has defined the series since its debut in 2013. Knight was full of praise for his long-time collaborator, describing him as an actor without ego.
“I want to work with him again on other things, but he leads the line in terms of the actors on the set. He makes the set work. There’s no BS with him. He’s not a prima donna. He’s brilliant, just straightforward,” Knight said.
Recalling his first-ever meeting with Murphy in Santa Monica years ago, Knight admitted that he knew right away the actor was the perfect choice for the role.
As for their future collaborations, Knight hinted at more projects in the pipeline.
“There’s so much more that I want to do with Cillian – and hopefully he’ll do stuff with me as well. Y’know you got to strike while the iron’s hot and it’s pretty hot at the moment.”
Barry Keoghan joins the cast
One of the most exciting additions to the Peaky Blinders movie is Dublin-born actor Barry Keoghan. Known for his roles in The Banshees of Inisherin and Saltburn, Keoghan is fast becoming one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents.
Knight was in awe of the actor’s presence on set, describing his first day filming as nothing short of astonishing.
“Barry Keoghan, first day on Peaky [Blinders], Jesus, he is amazing. He just does it. There’s something about him that’s quite amazing,” Knight said.
When asked whether audiences would embrace Keoghan’s character, Knight had no doubts.
“If they’re not, they’re asleep or dead. Seriously, he’s amazing. He looks right as well.”
Though details about Keoghan’s character remain under wraps, his involvement is already generating immense excitement among fans.
When will the Peaky Blinders movie be released?
Netflix has yet to announce an official release date for the film, but anticipation continues to build. The project is expected to be one of the most eagerly awaited British films in recent years, particularly given the global popularity of the original series.
Meanwhile, fans of Knight’s storytelling can enjoy his latest work in the historical series A Thousand Blows, starring Stephen Graham, Erin Doherty, and Malachi Kirby, which is currently streaming on Disney+.
With Peaky Blinders set to return in spectacular fashion, and spin-offs potentially on the horizon, it’s clear that the Shelby family’s legacy is far from over.