The world thought the story of Tommy Shelby was finished.
After six unforgettable seasons of the iconic gangster saga, fans believed the Shelby family had ridden off into television history. But in 2026, the legend returns—bigger, darker, and set against the chaos of World War II.
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man brings Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy back to the role that defined a generation of television storytelling. This time, however, the stakes are far greater than gang rivalries or political games.
Now the enemy is global war.
And Tommy Shelby must confront both his past and his bloodline.
According to recent reports, the new Netflix film continues the story of the Shelby family years after the television series ended, placing the infamous Birmingham gangster in the middle of a Nazi conspiracy during World War II.
What Is Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man About?
At its core, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is not just another crime story.
It is a wartime thriller wrapped in a deeply personal family drama.
The film jumps forward in time to the early 1940s. Europe is burning, Nazi Germany is expanding, and Britain faces existential threats both abroad and at home. In the middle of this chaos, Tommy Shelby returns to Birmingham.
But this is not the same man audiences once knew.
Years of violence, power struggles, and personal loss have changed him.
The story begins with a bombing in Birmingham during the Blitz and gradually reveals a dangerous Nazi operation involving counterfeit British currency designed to destabilize the UK economy.
Tommy is pulled back into action after discovering that the conspiracy is connected to his own family.
And that changes everything.
Why the Film Takes Place During World War II
One of the most intriguing creative choices behind The Immortal Man is its historical setting.
The original Peaky Blinders series ran from 2013 to 2022 and was largely set between the aftermath of World War I and the early 1930s.
However, series creator Steven Knight always envisioned the story ending during World War II.
The war dramatically raises the stakes:
- National survival replaces gang dominance
- Political conspiracies grow larger
- Criminal empires collide with global conflict
Knight has said that the chaos of wartime Britain creates the perfect environment for Tommy Shelby’s final chapter.
In other words:
The battlefield is no longer the streets of Birmingham.
It is the fate of an entire nation.
A New Generation of the Shelby Family
One of the biggest emotional themes in The Immortal Man is family legacy.
For years, Tommy Shelby ruled the Peaky Blinders gang with ruthless intelligence. But the new film introduces a powerful twist—his estranged son.
Duke Shelby Enters the Story
Actor Barry Keoghan plays Duke Shelby, Tommy’s illegitimate son.
Their relationship becomes the emotional backbone of the film.
Instead of focusing solely on crime and strategy, the narrative explores:
- Father and son conflict
- Generational trauma
- The burden of the Shelby name
The relationship is complicated.
Duke is not just Tommy’s son.
He is also his potential successor.
And possibly his greatest threat.
The Star-Studded Cast of The Immortal Man
Netflix has assembled an impressive cast for the Peaky Blinders movie, combining returning characters with major new additions.
Main Cast
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Cillian Murphy | Thomas “Tommy” Shelby |
| Barry Keoghan | Duke Shelby |
| Rebecca Ferguson | Kaulo / Zelda |
| Tim Roth | John Beckett |
| Sophie Rundle | Ada Thorne |
| Stephen Graham | Hayden Stagg |
The film also brings back several familiar figures from the series while introducing powerful new antagonists and allies.
This combination of returning characters and new faces helps expand the story beyond the Shelby family while still honoring the legacy of the original series.
Why This Story Matters for Peaky Blinders Fans
The original series built a cult-like global following.
It wasn’t just about crime.
It was about:
- ambition
- loyalty
- trauma after war
- power and family
For many fans, Tommy Shelby became one of the most iconic characters in modern television.
The new film is designed as a cinematic conclusion to that story.
Cillian Murphy himself described the project as a chance to properly close the narrative arc after more than 36 hours of television storytelling.
Instead of another season, the filmmakers chose a feature-length format.
This allows the story to feel bigger, darker, and more cinematic.
What Makes The Immortal Man Different From the TV Series?
While the movie keeps the DNA of the original show, it also introduces major changes.
1. A Two-Hour Cinematic Story
The TV series typically unfolded across six-episode seasons.
The film compresses the narrative into a single intense story.
That means:
- faster pacing
- higher stakes
- tighter emotional arcs
2. A Global Conflict
Previously, the Shelby family battled:
- rival gangs
- political extremists
- corrupt institutions
Now they face a wartime conspiracy involving Nazi agents.
3. A More Personal Story
While the war sets the stage, the film ultimately revolves around Tommy’s relationship with his son.
This creates a powerful emotional core that goes beyond crime and politics.
When Does Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man Release?
Fans won’t have to wait long.
The film premiered in Birmingham earlier in March 2026 before expanding globally.
Official Release Timeline
- Select cinemas: March 6, 2026
- Global Netflix release: March 20, 2026
That means millions of viewers will soon be able to stream the next chapter of the Shelby saga from home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Immortal Man a continuation of the Peaky Blinders series?
Yes. The film serves as a continuation and possible conclusion of the original television series, continuing Tommy Shelby’s story years later during World War II.
Do you need to watch Peaky Blinders before the movie?
While the film can be understood on its own, watching the series provides important context for the characters and family dynamics.
Is Cillian Murphy returning as Tommy Shelby?
Yes. The Oscar-winning actor reprises his iconic role and also serves as a producer for the film.
Who plays Tommy Shelby’s son?
Barry Keoghan portrays Duke Shelby, Tommy’s illegitimate son and a central character in the film’s emotional storyline.
Will there be more Peaky Blinders stories after this movie?
While the film is designed as a major conclusion, creator Steven Knight has hinted that the universe could continue with new stories or spin-offs.
Why The Immortal Man Could Be the Perfect Ending
Ending a beloved series is never easy.
But Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man has several advantages:
- a larger cinematic scale
- a deeper family story
- a historic wartime backdrop
Most importantly, it gives Tommy Shelby the final chapter his character deserves.
A gangster.
A strategist.
A father.
And possibly one of television’s most unforgettable antiheroes.
For longtime fans, the return of the Shelby family is more than nostalgia.
It is the final ride.
And if the legacy of Peaky Blinders has taught us anything, it’s this:
Tommy Shelby never walks away from a fight.
Conclusion
With its mix of wartime drama, family conflict, and political intrigue, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s biggest releases of the year.
It brings closure to a story that has captivated audiences for more than a decade while pushing the narrative into new territory.
Whether you followed the Shelby saga from the very beginning or are discovering it for the first time, one thing is certain:
The legend of Tommy Shelby isn’t finished yet.