The world of Peaky Blinders is one where survival is not guaranteed, but some characters have a talent for escaping death. As the upcoming film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man nears its release, the show’s ability to bring characters back in stunning ways is a key part of its legacy. The film’s title itself speaks to the resilience of its main character, Tommy Shelby. This article looks at five of the most shocking returns in the Shelby family’s violent history.
1. Tommy Shelby: The Walking Ghost
From the very first season, Thomas Shelby has faced death more times than anyone can count. The title of the new film, The Immortal Man, reflects his uncanny survival. The film is set during World War II and follows an older, more exhausted Tommy who is dealing with the consequences of his past. This isn’t about street fights anymore; it’s about his legacy and whether a man who has built a world on violence can ever find peace.
“It will be an explosive chapter in the Peaky Blinders story. No holds barred. Full on Peaky Blinders at war.” – Steven Knight, series creator.
The film, directed by Tom Harper, will bring Tommy’s story to cinemas on March 6, 2026, before arriving on Netflix on March 20, 2026.
2. Arthur Shelby’s Struggle to Survive
Arthur Shelby, Tommy’s brother, is another character who constantly walks the line between life and death. As the gang’s main enforcer, his life is one of brutal violence, both given and received. Throughout the series, he survives assassination attempts, mental breakdowns, and his own self-destructive impulses. His return to the film, confirmed by Steven Knight, promises to continue his turbulent journey. Arthur’s character shows that survival in this world is not just physical but also a mental battle.
3. Grace Burgess: A Haunting Return
While some characters return in body, others return in spirit. The presence of Grace Burgess, Tommy’s first wife, never truly leaves the show after her death. She haunts Tommy’s memories and decisions, influencing him from beyond the grave. Her death marks a turning point for Tommy, and her continued relevance in his story is a powerful kind of resurrection. She represents the personal cost of Tommy’s ambition and the part of himself he lost.
4. The Antagonists Who Refuse to Stay Down
The Peaky Blinders’ enemies are as tough as they are. Characters like Major Chester Campbell and Father John Hughes create a sense of constant danger because they are difficult to defeat permanently. Their ability to return with new schemes keeps the pressure on the Shelby family. This pattern shows that in the world of Peaky Blinders, power shifts quickly, and today’s victory might not last until tomorrow. The upcoming film adds new powerful foes, including figures played by Rebecca Ferguson and Tim Roth, whose roles are still secret.
5. The Shelby Family Legacy Continues
The most significant resurrection is not of a single person but of the entire Shelby saga. After the series ended in 2022, fans were left wondering if that was truly the end. The announcement of the film was followed by even bigger news: a new sequel series is in development for Netflix.
Set in 1953, the series will follow a new generation of Shelbys in a Birmingham rebuilding after the war. Creator Steven Knight says the new show is about the city “rising from the ashes”. The new series will have two seasons, each with six episodes. Cillian Murphy will also work behind the scenes as an executive producer on this new chapter.
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New Faces Joining the Legacy
The new film brings fresh talent into the Peaky Blinders universe. Actor Barry Keoghan has joined the cast in a major role. A released image shows him leading a group, suggesting he may be at the center of a new gang. Keoghan had wanted to be part of the series for a long time, and he previously worked with Murphy on the film Dunkirk.
Rebecca Ferguson and Tim Roth are also joining in key roles. They are joined by returning series actors like Sophie Rundle (Ada), Stephen Graham, and others. This mix of old and new promises a story that honors the original while moving forward.
The story of the Peaky Blinders is far from over. With a major film on the way and a new series planned, the Shelby family’s tale of power, survival, and legacy continues to grow.
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