Peaky Blinders Film Sparks Fan Questions with Zelda's Twin Reveal
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man has finally premiered on Netflix, leaving fans with numerous questions about the mysterious figure of Zelda and her connection to the Shelby family. The film, set years after the TV series, features significant recasts and new characters, as reported by the Mirror.
Who Was Zelda in the Peaky Blinders Universe?
Zelda was a woman from the Romani traveller community who stole a watch from Tommy Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy, at the Appleby Horse Fair in 1914. After attempting to retrieve his watch, Tommy and Zelda slept together under a hazel tree, resulting in her pregnancy.
Zelda's father was enraged by the pregnancy and shot Tommy with a squirrel gun, but the gangster survived unharmed and left for the First World War trenches. Tommy never saw Zelda again or contacted her after returning from the war.
He only learned of his son's existence in series six when Esme, John Shelby's wife, introduced him to Duke Shelby. Esme confirmed Zelda's death and explained that Duke was working as a thief but sought more from life.
Tommy paid Esme in gold and took Duke under his wing, leading Duke to join the darker aspects of Tommy's business. According to the Peaky Blinders Fandom page, Zelda fell ill and was denied a hospital bed in Bridgnorth, dying that night. Duke later confronted and killed the person responsible for her denial.
Kaulo Emerges as Zelda's Twin Sister
In Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, the enigmatic spirit medium Kaulo, portrayed by Rebecca Ferguson, is revealed as Zelda's identical twin sister. Kaulo infiltrates Tommy's home during his exile and urges him to rescue Duke, who becomes entangled in a Nazi scheme.
Zelda never appears on screen in the Peaky Blinders TV series, making Kaulo's introduction a pivotal moment. Ferguson discussed her role, stating, "I like bringing in something otherworldly about her. I read about the gypsy culture and their beliefs, focusing on family and heritage."
She added, "With belief comes power, and my character knows how to manipulate that. Magic feels bigger for her than a sense of belonging."
The film is now streaming on Netflix, offering fans new insights into the Shelby saga and its hidden connections.
