Cillian Murphy to reprise Tommy Shelby in 'Peaky Blinders' film on Netflix

Renowned star will be back to ruling the streets of 1900s Birmingham onscreen once again

Now that Cillian has been handed the Oscar he deserves, he can return to doing what cemented his forever place in the hearts of fans: being Tommy Shelby and ruling the streets of 1900s Birmingham.  

Back in March, creator and executive producer Steven Knight had ignited hope by openly discussing that a Peaky Blinders movie would be going ahead. Fans had cautiously rejoiced, although no official word had been released from any production house associated with the project. Now, according to Deadline, Netflix has officially greenlit the Peaky Blinders feature film, bringing back Murphy as the clan’s fearless leader. 

When we last left the Peaky Blinders crew, Murphy’s Tommy had seemingly settled his scores, having killed off his cousin Michael (Finn Cole). After handing over the family business to sister Ada (Sophie Rundle), Tommy had ridden off into the sunset on a white steed in what had been the perfect ending. 

But not for long. “It seems like Tommy Shelby wasn’t finished with me,” said Murphy in conversation with the publication. With a nod to the devoted Peaky Blinders fandom, Murphy added, “It is very gratifying to be re-collaborating with Steven Knight and Tom Harper on the film version of Peaky Blinders. This is one for the fans.”

There has been no further word on either the casting or the plot of the as yet untitled film, but with Murphy back in the lead and Peaky Blinders creator Knight working on the script, fans can be prepared to be dazzled yet again. Earlier, Knight had told Deadline that the upcoming film would be set in World War II. “I’m genuinely thrilled that this movie is about to happen,” said Knight. “It will be an explosive chapter in the Peaky Blinders story. No holds barred. Full-on Peaky Blinders at war.”

Meanwhile, Tom Harper (Heart of Stone, The Aeronauts, War & Peace) will be directing the untitled film. Harper is well-versed in the Peaky Blinders universe, having previously headed the second half of Season 1. “When I first directed Peaky Blinders over 10 years ago, we didn’t know what the series would become, but we did know that there was something in the alchemy of the cast and the writing that felt explosive,” remarked Harper. 

“Peaky has always been a story about family — and so it’s incredibly exciting to be reuniting with Steve and Cillian to bring the movie to audiences across the world on Netflix.”

The publication reported that production is set to begin later this year, made in association with BBC Film. Producers Caryn Mandabach, Knight, Murphy and Guy Heeley will helm the project, and executive producers will include Harper, David Kosse, Jamie Glazebrook, Andrew Warren and David Mason. 

The show initially aired in 2013 on BBC Two in the UK, with Netflix coming aboard the following year in 2014. As the series grew in popularity, Peaky Blinders moved from BBC Two to BBC One in 2019 after its fourth season had won the BAFTA for Best Drama. In total, the show ran for six seasons, culminating in 2022.

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