Steven Knight Declares Birmingham a Star of New Peaky Blinders Film
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight has emphatically stated that Birmingham is "one of the stars" of the highly anticipated new movie, The Immortal Man. The Brummie writer made these remarks during the world premiere event held at Symphony Hall in Birmingham, where he was joined by lead actor Cillian Murphy and other cast members.
Birmingham Takes Center Stage in Production
Knight, who earlier on Monday had a West Midlands Metro tram unveiled bearing his name, expressed immense pride in filming the feature in his hometown. "Birmingham is one of the stars of the film. It's a great story. It's very entertaining, and I am told that the reaction... there's a lot of emotion around it," Knight revealed. He added that many viewers end the film in tears, which aligns with the creators' intentions, describing it as a very powerful piece.
Reflecting on the decision to shoot in Birmingham rather than northern England locations used in earlier series, Knight insisted on this change. "Before, we shot a lot of it in the north but I sort of insisted that this one we do here. And the production team were absolutely astonished by what we got here, what we got in terms of locations, of how the city looks, and the way they were welcomed," he explained. Knight characterized the experience as very, very happy.
Details on The Immortal Man and Future Series
The film, set in Birmingham in 1940, sees Cillian Murphy return as Tommy Shelby. It is penned by Knight and directed by Tom Harper, opening in selected cinemas on Friday and streaming on Netflix from March 20. The plot follows Duke Shelby, portrayed by Barry Keoghan, and a new generation of Peaky Blinders entangled in a Nazi conspiracy threatening the family's future as Britain confronts Hitler's war machine.
When questioned about the future of the Peaky Blinders series, Knight confirmed that shooting for a follow-up series begins soon. "I can't tell you a lot because I'm not allowed to. But it's after the war and it's brilliant. We start shooting very soon," he stated.
Cast Reactions and Filming Experiences
Cillian Murphy shared his thoughts on the film and its setting. "I think if you write great parts, you get great actors," he remarked at the premiere, surrounded by props in Centenary Square. When asked about Tommy Shelby's evolution from the aftermath of the First World War to 1940, Murphy noted the complexity, suggesting viewers watch the 36 hours of television for full context. He expressed immense pride in the work, the show, and the fans, adding that performing and shooting in Birmingham was amazing.
Director Tom Harper highlighted the unique atmosphere of filming in Birmingham. "It's hard to explain, but when you're on the streets of Digbeth or Small Heath – that is the place where the myth of the Peaky Blinders was born. Sometimes, if you just close your eyes for a minute you can almost slip back in time and feel what it must have been like for those characters," he said, hoping this authenticity would resonate with audiences.
Supporting cast members also shared their experiences. Rebecca Ferguson, who portrays Kaulo, described collaborating with Knight and Harper as incredible, likening it to "sitting in a pub with some mates and playing some cards and having some pints." She emphasized the safety of the set, allowing for creative exploration. Tim Roth, who plays Beckett, revealed he avoided watching earlier series to approach his role completely fresh, a decision met with laughter from Murphy.
The world premiere event showcased Birmingham's vibrant cultural scene, with Knight's tribute on a Metro tram underscoring the city's integral role in the production. As anticipation builds for the film's release, Knight's praise solidifies Birmingham's status as a key character in the Peaky Blinders saga.
