Netflix has officially dropped the first full trailer for the eagerly awaited Peaky Blinders film, titled The Immortal Man, sending fans into a frenzy of anticipation. The hit television series, which originally spanned 36 episodes across six series, is making a grand return in movie format, with a spin-off series also confirmed to be in development.
A Long-Awaited Return
Fans of the franchise have endured a prolonged wait since creator Steven Knight first hinted at a film adaptation back in 2021. The project was officially confirmed last year, and now, the trailer offers a tantalising glimpse into the next chapter of the Shelby saga. The Immortal Man is scheduled for a limited cinematic release starting March 6, 2026, with a broader streaming debut on Netflix set for March 20.
Plot Details and Character Arcs
The film picks up four years after the dramatic series finale of Peaky Blinders. Cillian Murphy, 49, reprises his iconic role as Tommy Shelby, who is drawn back to Birmingham from a self-imposed exile. The newly released trailer depicts Tommy living in solitude, far from home, as his past begins to resurface amidst the backdrop of World War II.
A haunting voiceover sets the tone: "You'll live in a house haunted with ghosts, of people who died because of you." Tommy is confronted by new characters, including Rebecca Ferguson's enigmatic Kaulo, who accuses him of abandoning his kingdom and his son. Sophie Rundle returns as Ada Shelby, informing Tommy that his "gypsy son" is running the Peaky Blinders gang, evoking memories of 1919.
New Faces and Intense Conflicts
Barry Keoghan appears as Erasmus 'Duke' Shelby, Tommy's illegitimate son, seen asserting dominance in a tense scene. The trailer teases internal and external conflicts, with Tommy declaring, "I can't help him, because I'm not that man anymore," as Duke is questioned about committing treason to aid Germany in the war.
Stephen Graham's character, Hayden Stagg, challenges Tommy's reluctance to engage in the conflict, prompting a menacing reply: "It is now." The narrative escalates with explosive action sequences, culminating in Tommy's reflective line: "Once, I nearly got f**king everything... but nearly doesn't count." The trailer concludes with Tommy and Duke sharing a drink, hinting at a potential alliance.
Historical Inspirations Revealed
Beyond the fictional drama, the Peaky Blinders series draws inspiration from real historical figures and events in Birmingham. Genealogy site Ancestry has uncovered newspaper clippings that shed light on the actual gangs that operated in the area, predating the show's post-World War I setting.
Historical records indicate that the term "Peaky Blinders" originally described a group of violent youths, not a single crime dynasty. Newspapers from the era often used the label broadly for anyone wearing flat-peaked caps. Key real-life figures include William ‘Billy’ Kimber, leader of the Birmingham Boys gang, who inspired a character portrayed by Charlie Creed-Miles.
Women in the Gangs
Contrary to popular belief, women were active participants in Peaky Blinder activities. Laura Annie Collins was identified in newspapers as a member alongside her husband, and in 1904, she attacked a police constable with a hairpin. Emma Rowlands, labelled "A Female ‘Peaky Blinder’" in 1895, was involved in altercations, highlighting the diverse roles within these groups.
Other Notable Figures
Charles Henry Allbutt survived a stabbing in 1905, while brothers William and James Brough were associated with the gang, with James later serving in World War I. The character of Alfie Solomons, played by Tom Hardy, was based on real Jewish gang leader Alfred Solomon, who was listed as a fruiterer in official records but faced murder charges in 1924.
Simon Pearce, Family History Expert at Ancestry, commented: "Peaky Blinders has captivated audiences with its gritty stories. Ancestry's discoveries show how closely the city’s history aligns with the drama, from women in gang activity to men who reformed into respectable trades."
Fan Reactions and Anticipation
The trailer has ignited a wave of excitement among fans, with many taking to social media to praise it as "wild" and "amazing." One enthusiast exclaimed, "I just can't wait!" underscoring the high expectations for The Immortal Man. As the release dates approach, audiences are eager to see how Tommy Shelby's story unfolds in this cinematic extension of the beloved series.
