Peaky Blinders Film 'The Immortal Man' Highlights Birmingham's Historic Canal Network
The highly anticipated Peaky Blinders film The Immortal Man is set to premiere on Netflix, and Birmingham residents will immediately recognize several iconic local settings featured throughout the production. The film's creators utilized multiple historic canal locations across the city to bring the dramatic story to life.
Collaborative Filming Process with Canal River Trust
When pre-production commenced in 2023, the BBC production team worked closely with the Canal River Trust to ensure all filming activities proceeded safely while considering other canal visitors. Cassie Clarke, the Trust's filming and campaigns manager, provided insights into the unique challenges of filming along Birmingham's waterways.
"One of the key differences in filming from the towpath is the limited space," Clarke explained. "It's very narrow, and often the towpath remains open to the public throughout filming, so it can quickly become busy. It's always a priority to ensure that no one falls in the canal!"
Historic Location Scouting Meeting
In June 2024, Clarke and her colleagues met with Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight MBE, along with the film's director, designer, and location manager at Birmingham's historic Roundhouse building. The group embarked on a comprehensive tour along the Birmingham New Mainline Canal, stopping at significant landmarks including Galton Bridge and Iron Bridge Aqueduct.
Unprecedented Aerial Filming Challenge
The production team faced unique technical challenges when filming at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, where they employed a helicopter to capture perfect aerial shots. Clarke noted this was an unprecedented request for canal filming.
"I've never had a request to film with a helicopter above one of our canals before, never mind a UNESCO World Heritage site," Clarke revealed. "So I contacted our heritage colleagues for specialized advice to ensure proper preservation protocols."
Featured Canal Locations in The Immortal Man
The film showcases four significant waterway locations:
- Bumble Hole and Netherton Tunnel in Dudley
- Gas Street Basin in Birmingham
- National Waterways Museum in Ellesmere Port
- Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
These carefully selected settings provide authentic historical backdrops that enhance the film's atmospheric storytelling while highlighting the region's industrial heritage.
The Immortal Man premieres globally on Netflix this Friday, March 20, offering audiences worldwide a dramatic glimpse into Birmingham's iconic canal landscapes through the lens of the beloved Peaky Blinders franchise.
