The numbers
Jamie Bell will take over the role of Duke Shelby in the new Peaky Blinders series, which is set to premiere in 2026. This sequel series will consist of two six-episode seasons, marking a significant continuation of the beloved franchise.
The new series is set ten years after the events of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, which has recently been Netflix’s No.1 movie globally for two weeks running. Filming for the new series has already commenced in and around Digbeth Loc. Studios in Birmingham, England.
Produced by Banijay UK’s Kudos and Garrison Drama for the BBC and Netflix, the upcoming series will follow the next generation of the Shelby family during the early 1950s. The official logline describes this new era as a brutal contest of mythical dimensions in Birmingham, suggesting a darker and more intense narrative.
Steven Knight, the creator of the series, expressed his excitement about the new direction, stating, “I am thrilled that we are announcing a new era of Peaky Blinders, moving the story to post-war Birmingham in the early 50s.” He also highlighted the casting of Jamie Bell, saying, “We are incredibly fortunate to have Jamie Bell taking the role of Tommy Shelby’s oldest son, Duke, and to have Charlie Heaton also leading the cast.”
The original Peaky Blinders premiered on BBC Two in 2013 and debuted on Netflix in 2014. It quickly gained critical acclaim, winning the BAFTA for Best Drama Series for its fourth season in 2018. The series has since spawned a franchise that includes tie-in books, clothing lines, a video game, ballet, and an immersive theater production.
As the franchise expands, the inclusion of new characters and storylines will likely attract both long-time fans and new viewers alike. Jessica Brown Findlay, Lashana Lynch, and Lucy Karczewski are also part of the cast for the new series, promising a diverse and dynamic ensemble.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the specific plotlines and character arcs that will unfold in this new chapter of the Shelby family’s saga. However, the anticipation surrounding the series continues to grow as fans await further announcements and trailers leading up to its release.