The Peaky Blinders universe is expanding into a brand-new decade, and there's a new leading man donning the flat cap. Netflix has officially announced a 1950s-set sequel series, unveiling a first look at Jamie Bell (Fantastic Four) as a seasoned, hardened Duke Shelby.
Taking over the mantle of Tommy Shelby’s eldest son, Bell steps into the role previously occupied by Barry Keoghan in the recent feature film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, and Conrad Khan, who originated the character in the flagship show's sixth and final season.
Set roughly ten years after the events of The Immortal Man and the conclusion of World War II, the upcoming spin-off thrusts viewers into the cutthroat reconstruction of post-war Birmingham. According to the official synopsis, the effort to rebuild the city evolves into a "brutal contest of mythical dimensions." At the center of this blood-soaked era of unprecedented opportunity and danger is Duke Shelby—now described as older, wiser, and ruthlessly ambitious.
Joining Bell in the crime drama's next chapter is a stacked roster of recognizable talent. The ensemble features Charlie Heaton (Stranger Things), Lashana Lynch (The Marvels), Jessica Brown Findlay (Downton Abbey), and Lucy Karczewski (Stereophonic). While their specific roles remain tightly under wraps, the sheer caliber of the cast promises a compelling new dynamic for the acclaimed franchise.
Series creator and writer Steven Knight expressed his excitement regarding the show's evolution in a recent statement:
“I am thrilled that we are announcing a new era of Peaky Blinders, moving the story to post-war Birmingham in the early 50s. We are incredibly fortunate to have Jamie Bell taking the role of Tommy Shelby’s oldest son, Duke, and to have the incredible Charlie Heaton also leading the cast. There are more exciting cast announcements to come, and Peaky is on the road again.”
Filming for the highly anticipated sequel is currently underway on location at Digbeth Loc. Studios in Birmingham, England. The series is a joint production by Banijay UK's Kudos and Garrison Drama, and is slated for release on both Netflix and the BBC.