‘Peaky Blinders’ sequel reveals grown Charles Shelby as ‘Stranger Things’ star joins cast

The sequel shifts focus to post war Birmingham as the Shelby family legacy faces a new generation and fractured past

Peaky Blinders is set to continue its universe with a new sequel series focusing on the next generation of the Shelby family, as production begins in Birmingham. The upcoming project introduces a major time jump and shifts the narrative into the post World War II era, exploring how the aftermath of conflict reshapes both the city and the Shelby legacy.

Actor Charlie Heaton has been cast as Charles Shelby, the son of Tommy Shelby, stepping into a central role previously defined by the original series’ patriarch. The character is introduced at a point in his life where he has attempted to distance himself from the Peaky Blinders organisation and the violent history associated with it.

According to early series details, Charles Shelby has spent years away from the criminal world and has worked to build a quieter life after experiencing the brutality of war. However, the narrative suggests that his separation from the family is incomplete, with unresolved ties to his half brother Duke Shelby, played by Jamie Bell, creating tension at the centre of the new storyline.

The sequel is set approximately a decade after the events of World War II, during a period when Birmingham is undergoing large scale reconstruction following extensive damage from the Blitz. This historical backdrop plays a key role in shaping the environment of the series, reflecting both physical rebuilding and emotional recovery across the city.

The new series is written and created by Steven Knight, who originally developed the franchise. It continues the story following the conclusion of the recent film The Immortal Man, which marked the departure of Tommy Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy, from the central narrative focus.

In addition to Heaton and Bell, the cast includes Jessica Brown Findlay, Lashana Lynch, and Lucy Karczewski, expanding the ensemble as the story transitions away from the original generation of characters. The new chapter aims to explore how legacy, identity, and inherited violence continue to shape the Shelby family long after their rise to power.

Heaton’s character arc is described as one rooted in conflict between rejection and inevitability. While Charles Shelby has distanced himself from the gang lifestyle, the synopsis teases that blood ties and unresolved family history may pull him back into the world he tried to escape. The emotional tension centres on whether it is possible to truly leave behind the identity forged by the Shelby name.

The series will premiere in the United Kingdom on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with global distribution handled by Netflix. Although no official release date has been confirmed, production is currently underway, with anticipation building among fans of the long running franchise.

The expansion of the Peaky Blinders universe marks a significant shift in tone and timeline, moving from early 20th century gang warfare into a more reflective post war era, while still retaining the themes of ambition, loyalty, and consequence that defined the original series.