Rebecca Ferguson described her decision to join the cast of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man as an obvious choice. The 42-year-old actress was invited by Cillian Murphy, who stars as Tommy Shelby, to portray a mysterious medium named Kaulo in the upcoming Netflix film continuation of the popular British series. Ferguson’s involvement highlights the ongoing expansion of the Peaky Blinders universe, cementing her role in a highly anticipated project set for 2026.
Rebecca Ferguson’s Role and Preparation for Peaky Blinders
Ferguson revealed that accepting the role was an immediate decision, emphasizing her attraction to the complexity and rawness of the show’s characters. She told Harper’s Bazaar UK,
“[It was] a no-brainer. The characters are all guttural and burdened. That’s what I want.”
To authentically represent Kaulo, Ferguson developed a Romani accent, explaining that attempting the Birmingham dialect would not suit her, stating,
“There was absolutely no chance I could do a Brummie accent. I would ruin the film.”
Busy Year and Ambitions Beyond Peaky Blinders
The year 2026 marks a particularly demanding period for Ferguson, with several major projects lined up alongside Peaky Blinders. Her upcoming works include Amazon’s sci-fi thriller Mercy, the adaptation of Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree, the third installment of Dune, and a new season of Apple TV+’s Silo. Despite her flourishing career, Ferguson expressed a persistent drive to challenge herself further. She shared,
“I love to be challenged by stories that start somewhere, confuse you and take you somewhere else. I want my Anatomy of a Fall. I look at Sandra Hüller and think, ‘F****** hell, you nailed it, babes.’ That’s where I want to go. That’s where I am going.”
Respecting Peaky Blinders’ Legacy and Popularity
Although excited, Ferguson admitted feeling nervous about joining such a beloved franchise. In an interview with Empire, she said,
“I try and stay away from thinking about all the people who [love it], because that’s just going to freak me out. It’s enough to know that once Cillian is on a horse, the paparazzi are taking pictures. You understand how big it is.”
She also honored the memory of actors who were central to the series but have passed away, such as Helen McCrory, who portrayed Polly Gray. Ferguson reflected,
“I was also very much aware of the characters that have been there, that are no longer around, and paying homage to it.”
Rebecca Ferguson’s involvement in Peaky Blinders represents not only a significant career move but also a bridge between the show’s past and its future, underlining the enduring impact and evolving nature of this acclaimed British series.
