Cillian Murphy returns as Tommy Shelby in a new Peaky Blinders film
The much-anticipated film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man marks the return of Cillian Murphy as the notorious character Tommy Shelby, demonstrating the show’s enduring appeal and the ongoing fascination with its complex protagonist, reports BritPanorama.
Set thirteen years after Murphy first portrayed Shelby, the film continues the narrative of this Brummie crime lord. Murphy, who received an Oscar in 2024 for his role in Oppenheimer, has solidified his status as a leading cinematic actor, moving between large-scale productions and intimate performances, such as in Small Things Like These.
Similarly, creator Steven Knight has no shortage of projects, currently working on the new James Bond film and the second season of Netflix’s House of Guinness. Despite this, the decision to revisit Peaky Blinders suggests a profound attachment to the character and story.
In the series finale, Shelby’s journey concluded with a provocative twist—a cancer diagnosis revealed to be a manipulation by Oswald Mosley. However, the filmmakers felt compelled to resurrect him again, not out of necessity, but seemingly from a genuine fondness for the character, who operates in a morally ambiguous landscape without facing the repercussions typically expected of antiheroes.
The film appears to maintain the show’s trend of glorifying its protagonist, inviting audiences to relish in the charisma and complexity of Shelby, whose violent actions often blur the lines between heroism and villainy. Each scene has been described as a visual tribute to Shelby, underscoring a narrative that finds admiration for a figure engaged in criminality, including violent betrayals and manipulations.
Peaky Blinders is frequently likened to US shows such as The Sopranos, Mad Men, and Breaking Bad, which feature morally complex characters that compel viewers to sympathise with them. However, Peaky Blinders noticeably diverges in its portrayal of Shelby. Unlike the former shows, it seldom punishes him in the narrative, reinforcing a fascination that seems to elevate Shelby rather than reveal the hollowness of his actions.
In the promotional material for The Immortal Man, there are hints that Shelby will confront historical adversaries, potentially positioning him as a saviour against fascism, further entrenching his character in a complex moral story where the viewers are encouraged to admire and cheer for his actions.
Ultimately, Peaky Blinders continues to dance around the morality of its antihero, encouraging audiences to revel in the thrill of a narrative that celebrates a villain’s triumphs, perhaps reflecting broader themes present in contemporary storytelling.
