‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man’ Arrives on Netflix, Marking a New Chapter for the Shelby Saga
By [Your Name], International Editor
The acclaimed British crime drama Peaky Blinders has returned, albeit in a new form. Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man premiered on Netflix on March 20, 2026, offering a cinematic continuation of the Shelby family’s story after six seasons on the BBC.
The film, directed by Tom Harper and written by Steven Knight, picks up four years after the conclusion of the series, starring Cillian Murphy as the formidable Thomas Shelby, alongside Rebecca Ferguson and Barry Keoghan. However, the film’s cast is not without absences. Paul Anderson, who portrayed the iconic Arthur Shelby, does not appear in The Immortal Man.
Anderson’s absence is linked both to the narrative arc of his character and to personal challenges the actor has been publicly facing. Reports from late 2024 detailed Anderson’s struggles with addiction, following a conviction related to drug use and possession. He has since spoken openly about his ongoing battle.
The character of Arthur Shelby concluded the sixth season with a deliberately ambiguous ending, leaving his fate uncertain. He sent a farewell letter to his brother Tommy, suggesting a possible tragic outcome.
Despite the film’s release, Anderson has expressed mixed feelings about the decision to continue the Peaky Blinders story on the big screen. “We made a great series and I think not enough seasons. We should have shot at least a couple more, to be honest. I don’t understand why they’re making a movie,” he stated in recent interviews.
Knight originally envisioned a different finale, one featuring Tommy, Arthur, and John Shelby witnessing the onset of World War II as their children prepared to join the conflict. This ending, intended to highlight a cyclical pattern of trauma and loss, was abandoned when Joe Cole, the actor who played John Shelby, left the series, leading to the character’s death in season four and a shift in the overall narrative.
However, the world of Peaky Blinders is far from over. Netflix has announced plans for two further series, each consisting of six episodes, focusing on the Shelby family’s efforts to rebuild Birmingham in the aftermath of the war and consolidate their power within the city.
[Embedded YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h_yNYrwdSI]
[Embedded YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3pJetPL59I8]
The continuation of the Peaky Blinders universe reflects the enduring popularity of the series, which has garnered a global following for its compelling characters, atmospheric setting, and exploration of post-war British society.