Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy is set to reprise his iconic role as Tommy Shelby in the upcoming feature-length Peaky Blinders film, according to a report by The Hollywood Reporter. The film, based on the popular Birmingham gangster drama series, is officially in production, as announced by Netflix on Monday.
The Peaky Blinders Film
The movie follows the six-season success of the Peaky Blinders series, which originally aired from 2013 to 2022. Created by Steven Knight, the show delves into the lives of the Shelby family and their rise to power in post-World War I Birmingham. Alongside Murphy, the series featured a star-studded cast, including Paul Anderson, Helen McCrory, Tom Hardy, and Joe Cole.
Now, the much-anticipated film will continue the story a few years after the series finale. Directed by Tom Harper, the film boasts an impressive cast, including Saltburn actor Barry Keoghan and Dune star Rebecca Ferguson. While many fans had speculated about a film, Netflix’s confirmation that production has officially begun has sparked excitement.
The streaming giant released a statement saying, “By order of the Peaky Blinders, Tommy Shelby is back. Cillian Murphy and Steven Knight are reunited on set as production officially starts on the upcoming Netflix film.” Murphy himself added to the anticipation, stating, “This is one for the fans.”
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Cillian Murphy’s Return as Tommy Shelby
Images circulating online from various media outlets, including Deadline, show Murphy on set with Knight. One particular image of Murphy as an older Tommy Shelby, sporting grey hair, has garnered significant attention from fans. The gritty character, known for his sharp suits and cold demeanour, has become a cultural icon over the years, and the glimpse of this new chapter has sent social media into a frenzy.
Peaky Blinders came to a dramatic close with its sixth season in 2022, after which Murphy went on to star in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, a role that earned him an Academy Award.
Murphy’s upcoming project, Small Things Like These, which portrays the dark history of Ireland’s church-run workhouses, is slated for release on November 1 in the U.K. and November 8 in the U.S.