Stranger Things star Charlie Heaton has been unveiled in his first official images as Charles Shelby in the forthcoming Peaky Blinders spin-off series. The show is set a decade after the events of the recent Netflix film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, transporting viewers to 1950s Birmingham.
Charles Shelby's Story
Heaton portrays 32-year-old Charles, the son of Cillian Murphy's iconic Tommy Shelby. Having served in World War II and spent considerable time behind enemy lines, Charles has distanced himself from the Shelby gang. This estrangement means he has not seen his older half-brother Duke since the war ended.
Netflix commented: "In the upcoming series, Charles has severed all ties to the Peaky Blinders gang, his half-brother Duke, and the hedonistic Shelby lifestyle. But can you ever escape your own blood?"
Cast and Characters
Jamie Bell, known for Billy Elliot, takes over the role of Duke Shelby from Barry Keoghan, who played the character in the film. The cast also includes Lashana Lynch and Jessica Brown Findlay, though their roles remain undisclosed.
Charles Shelby first appeared as a child in the original series, born to Tommy and his true love Grace (Annabelle Wallis). He left the show following Grace's death.
Production and Release
Two six-episode series have been commissioned. The show will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK, and on Netflix internationally. This spin-off arrives four years after the original series concluded in 2022, which starred Cillian Murphy, Paul Anderson, and the late Helen McCrory.
The original Peaky Blinders first aired on BBC in 2013, winning a BAFTA for Best Drama in 2018 and an NTA for Outstanding Drama Series the same year.
Heaton's Career
Heaton's role in Peaky Blinders follows the conclusion of Stranger Things, where he played Jonathan Byers. The final season of the sci-fi series was released last year. Heaton met his real-life partner Natalia Dyer, who played Nancy Wheeler, on the set of Stranger Things; they confirmed their relationship in 2017.
