blinding result
Netflix finally confirms movie version of hit BBC drama – with Oscar-winning actor in lead role
This confirmation follows an update from the show's writer earlier this year
A CRITICALLY acclaimed BBC crime drama is making a return - but in the form of an exciting movie adaptation.
Peaky Blinders aired for six series and followed the exploits of the titular criminal gang in the aftermath of the First World War.
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Set in Birmingham, the show’s fictitious depiction is loosely based on a real gang which had operated in the city during the late 19th and early 20th century.
Irish actor Cillian Murphy played lead character gang leader Tommy Shelby in all six series.
Cillian, 48, will be reprising his role in an upcoming film, as well as co-producing.
The Cork-born actor is fresh off an Academy Award-winning performance in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, in which he portrayed J. Robert Oppenheimer, the titular theoretical physicist.
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On X, formerly Twitter, Netflix shared the Peaky Blinders film news on Tuesday, posting a photo of a script titled ‘A Peaky Blinders Film’.
The streaming giant captioned the post: “Tommy Shelby returns. A Peaky Blinders Film starring Cillian Murphy is coming to Netflix.”
Meanwhile, Cillian spoke to American outline Deadline Hollywood: “It seems like Tommy Shelby wasn’t finished with me…It is very gratifying to be recollaborating with Steven Knight and Tom Harper on the film version of Peaky Blinders.
“This is one for the fans.”
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Tom Harper, who directed episodes of Peaky Blinders in series one, will be helming the movie adaptation.
Although an official title is yet to be released, fans are already very excited about the news, with one writing on X: “I still can’t believe we will get a Peaky Blinders movie, like I’m so excited.
Cillian Murphy on Peaky Blinders movie and joy of being back in Ireland as he wins IFTA award for Lead Actor
“TOMMY SHELBY I’ve MISSED YOU.”
Another remarked: “YESSSSSS! The king is back! Can’t wait to see Cillian Murphy reprise his iconic role as Tommy Shelby in the Peaky Blinders film - it’s going to be epic!”
A third added: “So stoked for this!”
While a fourth shared: “Amazing… can’t wait to watch!”
Series creator Steven Knight has already written a script and earlier this year, confirmed shooting would begin in September with star Cillian returning.
Who starred in BBC crime drama Peaky Blinders?
Popular BBC crime drama Peaky Blinders aired from 2013 to 2022. The show followed a fictional crime gang operating in Birmingham in the aftermath of the First World War. With a movie adaptation on the way, here is a reminder of some of the biggest stars who appeared in Peaky Blinders.
Cillian Murphy: The Irish-born actor played gang leader Tommy Shelby for the show's entire run. Cillian is also known for his film collaborations with Christopher Nolan, including winning the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in Oppenheimer. His other collaborations with Nolan include portraying DC Comics villain Scarecrow in Nolan's Dark Knight trilogy and a supporting role in Inception.
Helen McCrory: Helen starred as Polly Gray for the first five series of Peaky Blinders. Her film roles include franchise appearances in Harry Potter and James Bond, as well as playing Cherie Blair in three films. Helen sadly passed away in April 2021, aged 52, of breast cancer. She had been married to actor Damian Lewis from 2007 until her death.
Sam Neill: New Zealand actor Sam starred in the first two series as Chester Campbell, an Ulster Protestant policeman drafted into Belfast. On the big screen, Sam is known for his role as Dr Alan Grant in Jurassic Park, as well as two of the film's sequels. His varied television credits include The Tudors, The Simpsons, Alcatraz and Rick and Morty.
Tom Hardy: Tom appeared as Alfie Solomons, a Jewish gang leader in Camden Town in series two through six. He has appeared in films including Warrior, The Dark Knight Rises, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Legend and Venom. Tom also worked with Peaky Blinders writer Steven Knight on the eight-part drama Taboo, in which he played the lead role of James Keziah Delaney.
Joe Cole: Joe starred in the first four series of Peaky Blinders, playing the role of John Shelby. He starred alongside his real-life brother, Finn, who plays Michael Gray. Since leaving Peaky Blinders, Joe has gone on to play Sean Wallace in Sky Atlantic series Gangs of London.
Benjamin Zephaniah: Late poet and writer Benjamin passed away in December 2023. He starred starred as Jeremiah 'Jimmy' Jesus throughout the run of Peaky Blinders.
Adrien Brody: Adrien is the youngest actor to win the Academy Award for Best Actor, being 29 at the time. He appeared in series four of Peaky Blinders as Luca Changretta, a New York mafioso.
Paddy Considine: House of the Dragon star Paddy appeared in series three as Father John Hughes, a priest working with the anti-communist Section D in the British Government.
Stephen Graham: Lancashire-born actor Stephen appeared as Hayden Stagg, union convenor for the workers at the Liverpool docks.
Further casting and plot details are still a mystery, though rumours have suggested it could place during World War II.
Helen McCrory starred in the first five series as Polly Gray, aunt to the Shelby siblings.
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Sadly, Helen passed away in 2021 due to breast cancer, aged just 52.
The cast also included Tom Hardy, Finn Cole, Sophie Rundle, Paul Anderson and Sam Neill, among others, during the show's run.
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