Cillian Murphy returns to Birmingham for global premiere of Peaky Blinders feature film

Cillian Murphy and Steven Knight debut The Immortal Man in Birmingham ahead of its global release on Netflix later this month.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 3, 2026, 9:36 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Irish Examiner

Return to the Shelby heartland

The premiere took place at Birmingham Symphony Hall, a location chosen specifically to honor the roots of the narrative. Creator Steven Knight emphasized his insistence on filming this installment in his home city, noting that previous television series had often been shot in northern England. Knight reported that the production team was impressed by the local locations and the reception from the community. The shift to Birmingham was described as a happy experience that allowed the production to capture the authentic look and feel of the city.

A new era in 1940

The Immortal Man is set in 1940, shifting the timeline significantly from the conclusion of the television series. The plot follows a new generation of the family, led by Duke Shelby, portrayed by Barry Keoghan, as they become embroiled in a Nazi conspiracy. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Britain and Europe during the height of the conflict with Germany. Cillian Murphy reprises his iconic role as Tommy Shelby, navigating the character through the complexities of the Second World War.

Evolution of Tommy Shelby

Speaking on the red carpet, Cillian Murphy reflected on the longevity and complexity of his character. When asked about the development of Tommy Shelby from the post First World War era to 1940, Murphy noted that the character's journey is too intricate for a brief summary, citing the 36 hours of television that preceded the film. He expressed immense pride in the work and the dedicated fan base that has supported the franchise since its inception. Murphy also shared his enthusiasm for filming directly on the streets of Birmingham.