Peaky Blinders: The Movie – First Images Reveal a Reinvented Tommy Shelby in Netflix’s Explosive New Chapter
The gritty, razor-sharp world of Peaky Blinders is back, and it’s bigger than ever. Netflix’s highly anticipated Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, set to release in 2026, promises to catapult the Shelby family into a new era, with Cillian Murphy reprising his iconic role as Thomas “Tommy” Shelby. The first images from the film, released in late 2024, have sent fans into a frenzy, showcasing a transformed Tommy—grayer, battle-worn, and navigating the chaos of World War II. Directed by Tom Harper and penned by series creator Steven Knight, the movie is billed as an “explosive chapter” in the Peaky Blinders saga, with a stellar cast including Barry Keoghan, Rebecca Ferguson, and Tim Roth. From Tommy’s striking new look to the promise of a war-torn narrative, here’s everything we know about the Peaky Blinders movie, why Tommy Shelby is “very different this time,” and what’s driving the fan hype.
The First Images: A Glimpse of Tommy Shelby’s Evolution
On September 30, 2024, Netflix dropped the first official images from the Peaky Blinders movie set, marking the start of production in the U.K. The standout shot features Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, standing in profile against a brick wall, his signature flat cap replaced by a newsboy cap and his hair noticeably grayer. The image, shared via Netflix’s social media with the caption “By order of the Peaky Blinders… Tommy Shelby is back,” captures a weathered yet resolute Tommy, hinting at the toll of time and conflict. A second photo shows Murphy alongside Steven Knight, both smiling on set, a testament to their enduring collaboration. Later, on November 1, 2024, Netflix released another image of Murphy and Barry Keoghan, both in period costumes, grinning under newsboy caps, sparking speculation about Keoghan’s mysterious role.
A leaked set photo, published by MovieWeb on October 23, 2024, offered a rawer glimpse: Murphy as Tommy, covered in mud and debris, riding a horse in what appears to be a war-ravaged scene. This image, coupled with reports of Tommy looking “physically injured” and facing “unprecedented” challenges, suggests a darker, more vulnerable side to the gangster kingpin. Fans on X noted the shift, with one user posting, “Tommy looks like he’s been through hell—those gray hairs and that mud? This ain’t the same Shelby.” The visual transformation—grayer hair, no flat cap, and a battle-scarred appearance—aligns with Knight’s promise that the film will present a Tommy Shelby “very different” from the series, shaped by the brutal realities of World War II.
Why Tommy Shelby Is “Very Different This Time”
The Peaky Blinders series, which ran from 2013 to 2022, chronicled Tommy Shelby’s rise from a Birmingham street gang leader to a Member of Parliament, navigating post-World War I turmoil, rival gangs, and personal trauma. By the Season 6 finale, aired in April 2022, Tommy had cheated death, handed the family business to his sister Ada (Sophie Rundle), and ridden off on a white horse, intent on a new life after a tuberculosis scare was revealed to be a ruse. The movie, set during World War II (1939–1945), picks up years later, placing Tommy in a new historical and personal context.
Knight has teased that the film will be “full-on Peaky Blinders at war,” with Tommy confronting both external conflicts and internal demons. The first images suggest a physical and emotional evolution: the gray hair and mud-covered appearance reflect the passage of time and the toll of war, while the absence of his signature flat cap—a symbol of his gangster identity—hints at a shift in his role. Knight told Radio Times in 2023 that the movie will be “the same, but different,” with Tommy’s traumatic past as a World War I sergeant major resurfacing as he navigates the global conflict. His post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a recurring theme in the series, may intensify, given the war setting.
The leaked set photo of Tommy on horseback, covered in debris, points to a more action-oriented narrative, potentially involving direct involvement in wartime chaos. Unlike the series, where Tommy’s battles were largely criminal and political, the movie may see him entangled in larger geopolitical stakes, possibly clashing with new enemies introduced by the all-star cast. Fans speculate that Tommy’s “difference” lies in a loss of control—his empire, once ironclad, now vulnerable to war’s upheaval. A Reddit thread theorized, “Tommy’s not the kingpin anymore; he’s a man fighting to survive a world that’s bigger than Birmingham.” This shift, paired with his physical transformation, positions Tommy as a more human, less invincible figure, a departure from the cool, calculating leader of the series.
The Plot: An Explosive Wartime Saga
While plot details remain tightly under wraps, Knight has confirmed that Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is set during World War II, a significant leap from the series’ 1919–1934 timeline. The film, titled after a phrase evoking Tommy’s knack for defying death, is described as an “epic continuation” of the Shelby family’s story, with “no holds barred” drama. Knight told Deadline in 2022 that the movie will introduce “new characters” from Season 6, such as Gina Gray (Anya Taylor-Joy) or the next generation of Shelbys, who could influence the wartime narrative. The setting suggests themes of fascism, resistance, and societal upheaval, with the Peaky Blinders likely clashing with both local and international forces.
The first images and leaked set photos hint at a story steeped in catastrophe. The mud-and-debris-covered Tommy suggests scenes of destruction, possibly tied to air raids or battlefield encounters. Barry Keoghan’s undisclosed role—rumored to be a volatile ally or foe—adds intrigue, with the November 2024 image showing him in a newsboy cap similar to Tommy’s, hinting at a close connection. Rebecca Ferguson, possibly playing a resistance figure or a political operative, and Tim Roth, whose gritty persona could fit a wartime criminal, promise to elevate the stakes. Returning cast members, including Sophie Rundle as Ada, Stephen Graham as Hayden Stagg, and Ned Dennehy as Charlie Strong, ensure continuity, while Tom Hardy’s potential return as Alfie Solomons remains unconfirmed but heavily anticipated.
Knight’s description of the film as “Peaky Blinders at war” evokes a larger canvas than the series’ Birmingham-centric focus. The Shelbys may face threats from Nazi sympathizers, black-market profiteers, or even government forces, with Tommy’s political past as a Labour MP complicating his allegiances. The war setting could also revisit Tommy’s Romani roots, explored in Season 6, as he navigates a fractured society. Fans on X have speculated about a plot involving Tommy undermining fascist elements, with one user posting, “Tommy vs. Nazis? That’s the epic send-off we need.” The film’s title, The Immortal Man, suggests Tommy’s legend will endure, but the images of a battered Shelby raise questions about whether he’ll survive this final chapter.
The Cast and Creative Team
The Peaky Blinders movie boasts a powerhouse ensemble, blending series veterans with A-list newcomers. Cillian Murphy, fresh off his 2024 Oscar win for Oppenheimer, anchors the film as Tommy Shelby, also serving as an executive producer. Barry Keoghan (Saltburn), Rebecca Ferguson (Dune), and Tim Roth (Pulp Fiction) join in undisclosed roles, with their casting announced in August and September 2024. Sophie Rundle, Stephen Graham, Ned Dennehy, Packy Lee, and Ian Peck reprise their series roles, while Jay Lycurgo (Titans) adds a younger perspective. Tom Hardy’s involvement remains uncertain, with the actor coyly telling Buzzfeed U.K. in April 2025, “Anything can happen,” when asked about Alfie Solomons.
Tom Harper, who directed episodes in Season 1, helms the film, bringing a visceral, cinematic flair. Steven Knight, the series’ creator, wrote the script and co-produces alongside Murphy, Caryn Mandabach, and Guy Heeley. Harper told Netflix, “There’s a great feeling of anticipation and excitement amongst our outstanding cast and crew. We’re grateful to the fans for getting us to this point and believe this next chapter is going to deliver something extraordinary.” The film, produced in association with BBC Film, wrapped production in December 2024, with a release expected in mid-2026, per Netflix’s Tudum.
Fan Hype and Cultural Impact
The Peaky Blinders fandom, known for its devotion, erupted with excitement over the first images. On Instagram, fans commented, “Cillian as Tommy with gray hair? I’m not ready for this!” and “That mud-covered horse scene looks INSANE—give us the trailer!” X posts echoed the sentiment, with #PeakyBlindersMovie trending alongside reactions like, “Tommy Shelby in WWII? This is gonna be a masterpiece.” The leaked set photo sparked debate, with some praising the gritty realism and others worried about Tommy’s survival, as one Reddit user noted, “He looks half-dead already—Knight better not kill him off.” The series’ cultural legacy, from spawning a menswear craze to inspiring One Day’s Leo Woodall to act, underscores the film’s high stakes.
Peaky Blinders’ blend of historical drama, modern music (like Nick Cave’s “Red Right Hand”), and Cillian Murphy’s magnetic performance has made it a global phenomenon, with 74% audience approval on Rotten Tomatoes. The movie’s WWII setting and Tommy’s transformed appearance tap into the series’ knack for reinventing itself while staying true to its roots. Fans are particularly thrilled about the new cast, with Keoghan’s involvement prompting comments like, “Barry and Cillian together? My screen’s gonna combust.” The promise of spin-offs, including a Boston-set series decades later, suggests the Peaky Blinders universe will live on, but the movie is being hailed as a “fitting end to the first chapter.”
What’s at Stake
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is more than a continuation—it’s a chance to cement Tommy Shelby’s legacy on a cinematic scale. The first images reveal a Tommy who’s older, wearier, and thrust into a world where his cunning may not be enough. The WWII backdrop, combined with a stellar cast and Knight’s promise of an “explosive” story, sets the stage for a film that could redefine the Peaky Blinders saga. Will Tommy rise as a wartime hero, fall to new enemies, or find redemption? The mud, gray hair, and haunted expression in the images suggest a man at his breaking point, yet the title hints at his enduring mythos.
As fans await a trailer and a confirmed release date, the first look has done its job: it’s reignited the Peaky Blinders fever. With production wrapped and post-production underway, the film is on track to deliver the gritty, stylish, and emotionally raw storytelling that made the series a classic. So, dust off your newsboy cap, pour a whiskey, and brace for Tommy Shelby’s final ride—because this time, he’s not just fighting for Birmingham, but for survival in a world at war.
