Tommy Shelby is riding back into Birmingham, and this time, the stakes are higher than ever. Netflix’s much-anticipated film, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, is set to reignite the saga of the notorious Shelby family, plunging audiences once again into the gritty, smoke-filled streets of 1940s England. The film, which opens in select theaters on March 6, 2026, before streaming globally on Netflix starting March 20, picks up years after the gripping finale of the original BBC series that ran from 2013 to 2022.
As the world teeters on the brink during World War II, Tommy Shelby—portrayed by Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy—finds himself drawn out of a self-imposed exile for one more battle. According to Netflix, the story unfolds with Tommy “driven back from a self-imposed exile to face his most destructive reckoning yet,” as the future of both his family and his country hangs in the balance. This classic trope—a battered warrior returning for one last fight—forms the bedrock of the film’s narrative, but when that warrior is Tommy Shelby, viewers can expect fireworks.
The film’s official trailer, released on February 19, 2026, wastes no time setting the tone. Tommy, older and visibly haunted, is seen living in a grand but lonely house, medicating himself and ignoring the world outside. Murphy himself described his character’s state to Netflix: “When we meet him, he’s as broken as he has been. He’s just medicating and living in this purgatory that he’s created for himself in this big old house. He’s in this liminal space, not really living, he’s not really dead. He’s ignoring the world, he’s ignoring his family.”
But the world refuses to ignore Tommy. Birmingham is once again a cauldron of violence and uncertainty, with the Peaky Blinders terrorizing England against the backdrop of war. The gang’s new leader is none other than Tommy’s illegitimate son, Duke Shelby, played by rising star Barry Keoghan. Sophie Rundle, reprising her role as Ada Shelby, delivers a stinging line in the trailer: “Your gypsy son is running the Peaky Blinders like it’s 1919 all over again.” The implication is clear—Duke has inherited both his father’s ferocity and his penchant for chaos.
Keoghan’s Duke is a force to be reckoned with. In the trailer, he spits defiance at the world: “The world don’t give a f--k about me. And I don’t give a f--k about the world.” It’s a declaration that sets the tone for the generational clash at the heart of the film. According to series creator Steven Knight, “The father and son were the main structures” of the story, and the film explores whether Tommy can save his son from repeating his own mistakes—or if the sins of the father are destined to be revisited upon the next generation.
New faces join the familiar ensemble, adding fresh energy to the franchise. Rebecca Ferguson steps into the role of Kaulo, a mysterious figure who seems to know the darkest corners of Tommy’s soul. In one of the trailer’s most chilling moments, Ferguson’s character warns, “You live in a house haunted with ghosts of people who died because of you. You abandoned your kingdom. And you abandoned your son.” Knight praised Ferguson’s presence, noting, “She just sort of takes over, in a really good way. I wanted her to reflect the tradition of powerful female characters and the fact that Peaky has always been a bit supernatural.”
Tim Roth, another heavyweight addition, appears as Beckett—a British fascist sympathizer whose sinister influence looms over the city. In a tense exchange, Beckett asks Duke if he’s willing to “take part in an act of treason that will decide this war for Germany,” opening the door to questions of loyalty, betrayal, and the seductive pull of power. The trailer hints that Duke, feeling alienated from both family and society, might be susceptible to such a dangerous proposition.
Fans of the original series will be delighted to see the return of several beloved characters. Stephen Graham reprises his role as Hayden Stagg, Ned Dennehy is back as Charlie Strong, Packy Lee returns as Johnny Dogs, and Ian Peck as Curly. Jay Lycurgo also joins the cast, adding to the film’s impressive roster. The creative team remains anchored by Steven Knight, who wrote the screenplay, and Tom Harper, who directs.
The film’s setting—Birmingham, 1940—offers a stark contrast to the postwar years of earlier seasons. World War II’s shadow looms large, and the city Tommy returns to is not the one he left. As the press notes put it, “With the future of the family and the country at stake, Tommy must face his own demons, and choose whether to confront his legacy, or burn it to the ground.” This struggle is not just personal, but existential—can Tommy redeem himself, or will he be consumed by the violence and regret that have always dogged his footsteps?
Music has always played a pivotal role in the Peaky Blinders universe, and The Immortal Man is no exception. The soundtrack features contributions from artists like Nick Cave, Lankum, McLusky, and Fontaines DC’s Grian Chatten, whose haunting vocals underscore the film’s brooding atmosphere. Expect a new take on the iconic “Red Right Hand,” the series’ signature theme, to echo through the film’s most pivotal moments.
With its March 6 theatrical release, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man promises to be more than just a nostalgia trip for fans. The film seeks to enrich the world of Peaky Blinders, not merely revisit it. As one critic noted, “Unlike some TV shows that return with movies that can’t justify their existence, this trailer shows why this story will enrich the world of Peaky Blinders.”
For those eager to catch up, the original Peaky Blinders series remains available on Netflix, offering a binge-worthy lead-in to the new film’s explosive debut. Whether you’re a longtime devotee or a newcomer drawn in by the promise of high-stakes drama and unforgettable characters, the return of Tommy Shelby is shaping up to be a cinematic event that few will want to miss.
As the world braces for Tommy Shelby’s return, one thing is certain: in 1940s Birmingham, the line between legacy and destruction has never been thinner—or more electrifying.