Following the climactic end to the television saga of “Peaky Blinders” in April 2022, whispers and hopes of its cinematic continuation have now been confirmed. The gritty, smoky atmosphere of early 20th-century Birmingham filled with the exploits of the Shelby clan will once again come to life, this time on the silver screen, with Cillian Murphy reprising his role as the cunning gangster Tommy Shelby.
The news was delivered by none other than Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight during an event celebrating his new BBC drama, “The Town.” Speaking with Birmingham World, Knight shared that the anticipated film will commence its shooting in September in the series’ hallmark setting of Digbeth. This revelation follows the show’s progression from BBC Two — which initially hosted the show overseas before its jump to BBC One for the last two seasons.
Cillian Murphy’s return reflects the intertwining of his successful run in the show and his ascending film career. Earlier this month, Murphy not only radiated as Tommy Shelby but ignited the award season with his Oscar-winning portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster biopic “Oppenheimer.” This gold-plated accolade marked Murphy’s premiere entry into the Oscar hall of fame, further garnished by a Golden Globe and a BAFTA amongst his glittery array of awards.
At the Academy Awards, Murphy shone through a stellar line-up of seasoned actors. His portrayal outstripped performances by Bradley Cooper in “Maestro,” Colman Domingo in “Rustin,” Paul Giamatti in “The Holdovers,” and Jeffrey Wright in “American Fiction,” securing him the prestigious Oscar statue. By securing this triumph, Murphy has joined the ranks of fellow Irish actor greats Daniel Day-Lewis and Barry Fitzgerald, who celebrated their Oscar victories in previous years.
While “Peaky Blinders” commanded a solid fan base throughout its televised lifecycle, its migration to Netflix catapulted the series to international acclaim, establishing it as a cult phenomenon. The Shelby family’s journey through crime, power, and politics has captured the imagination of audiences worldwide, marking the series as a standout piece of television history.
The film promises to pick up the threads of the story that were left subtlety unresolved in the show’s finale. Fans have been eagerly speculating on the direction the movie will take. With Knight’s proven track record for intricate storytelling and Murphy’s ability to embody the calm, intense, and calculating crime lord, the film version of “Peaky Blinders” is poised to add a significant chapter to the saga.
The film’s production commencement in September adds to the slate of high-profile projects in the UK, which continues to flourish as a hotbed for cinematic talent both in front and behind the camera. This announcement has certainly heightened the excitement for “Peaky Blinders” devotees.
Steven Knight’s foresight in expanding the Shelby family’s dominion beyond their television origins speaks volumes about the compelling world he’s created, one where the smoke-filled streets of Birmingham, the clinking of whiskey glasses, and the sharp suits and sharper wits of the Shelby family have become more than just fiction. They’ve become a part of contemporary pop culture.
As the film’s production gears up, all eyes will be on how the movie will encapsulate and expand upon the show’s legacy. Can the undying, ruthless ambition of Tommy Shelby translate into a cinematic epic that will satisfy the show’s vast fandom? The return of Cillian Murphy suggests a resounding yes, adding yet another thrilling layer to his illustrious acting journey and ensuring that the tale of the Peaky Blinders will indeed go on by order of the fans and the talent that has driven its success for nearly a decade.
