Tom Hardy could be making a possible return to the ‘Peaky Blinders’ film; Adrien Brody’s definite farewell feels bittersweet.

The Peaky Blinders world is all set to expand its horizon with an upcoming film, reigniting the tenacious glory of Birmingham’s most dangerous gang. As fans early wait for Cillian Murphy’s return as the iconic Tommy Shelby, Tom Hardy’s involvement with the upcoming project remains uncertain.

Hardy portrayed Alfie Solomons in the Peaky Blinders series and has expressed ambiguity when asked if he will be reprising his role. The vagueness casts a shadow over the movie’s character and cast lineup, especially when we contrast it with Adrien Brody’s definite exit from the franchise, even when he expressed passionate interest in continuing his portrayal.

Tom Hardy remains ambiguous about his return to Peaky Blinders

Tom Hardy’s portrayal of the double-crossing Jewish gang leader, Alfie Solomons, has been a fan favorite ever since he was introduced in Season 2. Despite his alleged death in Season 4, he was revealed to be alive in Season 5, highlighting the character’s resilience. However, when Hardy was asked about his potential return to the Peaky Blinders film, in a BuzzFeed UK interview, his answer was rather ambiguous, essentially giving nothing away. When the interviewer noted “anything can happen”, Hardy replied with a simple:

Always. At any moment.

Tom Hardy in Peaky Blinders (Credit: Netflix)

The coyness and ambiguity of his reply have not sat very well with fans hoping to see him reprise his role. However, not all hope is lost, as there has been no negative confirmation about his role either. In fact, in a 2024 interview with Sky News, Hardy remarked:

100% Alfie will definitely make an appearance, but I don’t know when… and I don’t even know if he will, that’s just me punting.

While this is not particularly definitive either, it is a reflection of Hardy’s keenness on returning to the role. So, if the opportunity were to present itself, fans might just be getting a potential Alfie Solomons return.

Directed by Tom Harper and penned by the show’s creator, Steven Knight, the film is going to be set against a World War II background and promises to dive deep into the complicated life of the Shelbys. With Cillian Murphy returning as Tommy Shelby and new members like Barry Keoghan and Rebecca Ferguson joining the ensemble, the storyline is poised to delve into uncharted territories.

Adrien Brody’s desire to return to Peaky Blinders makes me sad

In a bleak contrast to Hardy’s undecided return, Adrien Brody’s definite departure from Peaky Blinders remains disappointing. His character, Luca Changretta, was introduced in Season 4 and stood as a terrifying antagonist. His performance brought a carefully thought-out menace to challenge the Shelbys like never before. Brody’s powerful performance was praised for the intensity and depth he brought to the role.

Adrien Brody in Peaky Blinders (Credit: Netflix)

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Brody recalled how he did not want to leave his role in the show, saying:

A character like that was something that I’d been wanting to play for many years. It had room for all of this fun stuff to honor a style in filmmaking and acting that I loved, and a style and character and lore within the foundations of family, mafia, honor and all these things. I desperately tried to persuade them to find a way to keep Luca alive to come back for revenge. I really wanted to stay. I did not want to go home.

Despite lobbying, Luca’s arc was concluded with his murder at the hands of Arthur Shelby. His eagerness to continue as Luca makes me wonder how much more he could’ve done if given the chance. And honestly? Reviving a character from the dead doesn’t seem like too far a stretch for the show that’s heavily influenced by gypsy magic.

As Netflix confirmed a production wrap on the Peaky Blinders film, the divergent paths of Adrien Brody and Tom Hardy serve as a reminder of the franchise’s unpredictability. While I’m wholeheartedly wishing for Tom Hardy’s return, the definitive nature of Luca’s absence, despite Brody’s expressed interest, leaves a sort of void of what could’ve been.

All seasons of Peaky Blinders are available for streaming on Netflix (USA)