The beloved series returns with a sequel set in post-war Birmingham featuring a new generation of the Shelby family.
Category: Arts & Culture
Jamie Bell and Charlie Heaton are set to lead the cast of the much-anticipated sequel series of Peaky Blinders, a popular franchise created by Steven Knight for Netflix and the BBC. The new series, which has already been ordered for two six-episode seasons, began filming recently in Birmingham, particularly around Digbeth Loc. Studios.
Bell, known for his roles in All of Us Strangers and Rocketman, will portray Duke Shelby, the eldest son of the iconic character Tommy Shelby, originally played by Cillian Murphy. This role was previously held by Conrad Khan in the sixth season of Peaky Blinders and by Barry Keoghan in the follow-up film, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man.
Heaton, who gained fame from Stranger Things and Industry, will also be part of this new generation of Birmingham gangsters. The specifics of his character are still under wraps, but the announcement suggests he may play a leading role alongside Duke in the Shelby family saga.
Alongside Bell and Heaton, the cast includes Jessica Brown Findlay, Lashana Lynch, and Lucy Karczewski, the latter making her television debut. Details about their roles have not yet been disclosed, but anticipation is high for their contributions to the storyline.
The sequel series is set a decade after the events of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, which premiered on March 20, 2026, and quickly became Netflix's number one film globally for two consecutive weeks. The official logline for the upcoming series reveals a gripping narrative: "In this new era of Peaky Blinders, a decade after World War Two, the race to rebuild Birmingham becomes a brutal contest of mythical dimensions. This is a city of unparalleled opportunity and danger. At its blood-soaked heart is Duke Shelby: older, wiser, more ambitious, and most certainly more dangerous."
Steven Knight expressed his excitement about the new chapter in the Peaky Blinders universe, stating, "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." The series aims to explore the complex dynamics of family and power in a rapidly changing society.
The Peaky Blinders franchise has grown significantly since its inception, which began with the original series premiering on BBC Two in 2013. The show quickly gained international acclaim, winning a BAFTA for Best Drama Series for its fourth season in 2018, and has expanded into a complex franchise that includes tie-in books, clothing lines, a video game, ballet performances, and immersive theater productions.
The new series is produced by Banijay UK's Kudos and Garrison Drama, both of which have been integral to the franchise's success. Mike Barker, known for his work on The Testaments, will direct the first episode, ensuring that the new series maintains the high production values that fans have come to expect.
For viewers in the UK, the new Peaky Blinders series will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, whereas Netflix will handle global distribution, allowing fans worldwide to engage with the Shelby family’s latest escapades.
As filming progresses, excitement builds among fans eager to see how the story of the Shelby family evolves in this new setting. The franchise's ability to blend historical elements with character-driven drama has captivated audiences, and the introduction of a new generation promises to refresh the narrative without losing the essence of what made the original series a global phenomenon.
With the backdrop of post-war Birmingham and the promise of intense drama and complex characters, the upcoming sequel series is set to continue the legacy of Peaky Blinders. As the cast and crew work diligently to bring this story to life, fans are left to wonder how Duke Shelby will navigate the treacherous waters of ambition and legacy.
As the series develops, Knight has hinted at more casting announcements, which will undoubtedly add depth to the already rich narrative. With the filming already underway, viewers can expect to see the fruits of this labor in the near future, as the Peaky Blinders saga continues to evolve.