Cillian Murphy has delivered a strict caution to audiences planning to watch Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man in theaters. Returning as Tommy Shelby, Murphy’s warning comes ahead of the film’s limited cinema release, urging viewers to avoid spoilers for this eagerly awaited continuation of the Peaky Blinders saga.
The film, directed by Stephen Knight and featuring Barry Keoghan as Tommy Shelby’s eldest son Duke, is set during 1940 amid the turmoil of World War II. Tommy lives as a recluse, grappling with profound losses as Birmingham endures intense bombings. The Peaky Blinders find themselves embroiled in a Nazi plot to destabilize Britain’s economy through the circulation of counterfeit money, echoing the real Operation Bernhard.
Joining Murphy and Keoghan are returning cast members Stephen Graham, Sophie Rundle, and Packy Lee as Hayden Stagg, Ada Shelby, and Johnny Dogs respectively, alongside new additions Tim Roth and Rebecca Ferguson. Fans have a limited window to experience Tommy Shelby on the big screen before the film debuts on Netflix on March 20.
Murphy, now 49, issued a clear request to cinema audiences not to spoil the story ahead of time. A fan-recorded clip plays before or after the film, featuring Murphy stating,
“Spoilers are terrible, keep it to yourself. By order of the Peaky Blinders.”
This direct appeal was met with appreciation from viewers, with one saying,
“yesss!!! very cillian coded and gave everyone a great laugh before this wild ride,”
and another commenting,
“Saw it yesterday. Loved that he did that.”
Given Murphy’s warning, the following section contains spoilers about Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. Those wishing to remain unspoiled should refrain from reading further.
The Fate of Key Shelby Family Members in the Film
The storyline of The Immortal Man notably shifts focus from the original Shelby siblings to the new generation, a change that sparked concern among longtime fans. The film confirms those fears by delivering emotional blows, including the deaths of Tommy Shelby and his sister Ada. It is also revealed that their eldest brother, Arthur Shelby, died off-screen prior to the events depicted, contributing heavily to Tommy’s withdrawn lifestyle.
Paul Anderson, who portrayed Arthur Shelby, spoke about his reaction to the character’s demise. He shared with LADbible that he was aware of Arthur’s “sad” fate before the movie’s premiere and described it as a bold narrative choice. Anderson stated,
“I mean, it’s such a powerful thing to do. It’s something you don’t see on TV.”
This marked departure from the series introduces a new chapter centered on the descendants of the Shelby family, while bringing a close to the defining era of the original characters. The film’s release offers fans a rare opportunity to witness Tommy Shelby once more on the big screen, deepening the legacy of a show that inspired countless viewers worldwide.
