The numbers
In a significant shift for the acclaimed series, Jamie Bell will take over the role of Duke Shelby in the new Peaky Blinders series, which is set to premiere in 2026. This sequel series will unfold ten years after the events of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, which has recently enjoyed a two-week run as Netflix’s No.1 movie globally.
The new series will consist of two six-episode seasons, diving deep into the next generation of the Shelby family as they navigate a post-war Birmingham in the early 1950s. The official logline describes this new era as a “brutal contest of mythical dimensions in Birmingham,” promising to deliver the same gripping storytelling that fans have come to expect.
Filming has already commenced in and around Digbeth Loc. Studios in Birmingham, a location that has become synonymous with the series’ gritty aesthetic. The production is a collaboration between Banijay UK’s Kudos and Garrison Drama for both the BBC and Netflix, ensuring a wide reach for the series.
The original Peaky Blinders series, which premiered on BBC Two in 2013 and debuted on Netflix in 2014, has left an indelible mark on television history. It won the BAFTA for Best Drama Series for its fourth season in 2018, solidifying its place as a cultural phenomenon. The franchise has since expanded to include tie-in books, clothing lines, a video game, ballet, and even an immersive theater production.
Steven Knight, the creator of the series, expressed his enthusiasm for this new chapter, 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.” He further emphasized the significance of casting Bell, saying, “We are incredibly fortunate to have Jamie Bell taking the role of Tommy Shelby’s oldest son, Duke, and to have Charlie Heaton also leading the cast.”
Alongside Bell and Heaton, the cast will feature Jessica Brown Findlay, Lashana Lynch, and Lucy Karczewski, adding a diverse array of talent to the series. As the Shelby family saga continues, fans are eager to see how these characters evolve in a drastically changing world.
As the production progresses, details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific plot points and character arcs that will unfold in this new series. However, the anticipation surrounding the return of Peaky Blinders is palpable, with observers keenly awaiting further announcements and teasers that will shed light on this next chapter in the Shelby legacy.
