Get ready for a gripping return to the gritty world of the Peaky Blinders, because the first trailer for The Immortal Man just dropped, and it’s packed with secrets, betrayal, and a Tommy Shelby we’ve never seen before. Netflix has unleashed a two-minute glimpse into the highly anticipated film, and it’s clear this isn’t just another gangster flick—it’s a deep dive into legacy, family, and the ghosts of the past. But here’s where it gets controversial: is Tommy Shelby truly a changed man, or is he just fooling himself? Let’s break it down.
Set in the war-torn streets of Birmingham in 1940, The Immortal Man picks up where Steven Knight’s acclaimed TV series left off. Oscar winner Cillian Murphy returns as the iconic Tommy Shelby, now older, greyer, and seemingly wiser—but don’t let that fool you. The trailer hints at a man haunted by his choices, forced out of self-imposed exile to confront his darkest reckoning yet. With World War Two raging and the Peaky Blinders’ future hanging in the balance, Tommy must decide whether to salvage his legacy or destroy it entirely. And this is the part most people miss: the trailer subtly suggests that Tommy’s struggle isn’t just external—it’s a battle within himself, one that questions whether redemption is even possible for a man like him.
The cast is a powerhouse, with new additions like Rebecca Ferguson (Dune), Tim Roth (Reservoir Dogs), and Barry Keoghan (Saltburn) joining the fray. Keoghan plays Duke Shelby, Tommy’s illegitimate son and current gang leader, who seems to be spiraling out of control. Ada Shelby (Sophie Rundle) warns Tommy that Duke is running the Peaky Blinders like it’s 1919 all over again—a chaotic, lawless reign that threatens everything Tommy once built. But the real shocker? Duke might be secretly working with the Nazis. When Roth’s character, a suave English officer, asks Duke if he’s willing to commit treason, Duke’s response is chillingly ambiguous. Is Duke a traitor, or just a lost soul seeking purpose? The trailer leaves us guessing, and it’s a question that’s sure to spark debate.
Meanwhile, Tommy’s return isn’t exactly a hero’s welcome. Ferguson’s character bluntly tells him, ‘You abandoned your kingdom and your son,’ while Stephen Graham’s Hayden Stagg grills him on his motives. The tension is palpable, and the trailer masterfully weaves together themes of fatherhood, loyalty, and the weight of history. In one poignant scene, Tommy confesses to Duke, ‘Once, I nearly got… everything. But nearly doesn’t count.’ It’s a moment that encapsulates the tragedy of his character—a man who’s always been so close to greatness, yet so far from peace.
The film’s soundtrack is just as compelling, featuring Fontaines DC’s haunting track Puppet, which asks, ‘How does it feel to be a savage and a beast?’ The lyrics perfectly mirror Tommy’s inner turmoil, and the trailer’s editing ensures the music amplifies the drama without overshadowing it. Fans of the show will also recognize the return of artists like Nick Cave, Lankum, and McLusky, whose contributions helped define the Peaky Blinders’ signature sound. And yes, you can expect a fresh take on Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds’ iconic theme, Red Right Hand.
The Immortal Man hits select cinemas on March 6, with a streaming release on Netflix following on March 20. Directed by Tom Harper and written by Knight, the film promises to be a visually stunning and emotionally charged addition to the Peaky Blinders universe. But here’s the real question: can Tommy Shelby ever truly escape his past, or is he doomed to repeat it? Let us know what you think in the comments—this is one debate that’s bound to get heated.
