Behind the Scenes of ‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man’: Cillian Murphy, Steven Knight, and the Team Share Their Passion for the Movie Fans Will Love

‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man’ Set for Release with High Expectations

Cillian Murphy, star and producer of the much-anticipated film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, emphasized the importance of cinematic quality when adapting a television series for the big screen. On set, he remarked, “If you’re gonna make a film of a TV show, it has to have all the bells and whistles… I think we’re achieving that.” Directed by Tom Harper and penned by Steven Knight, the film is poised for a theatrical release on March 6, followed by global streaming on March 20.

Set six years after the conclusion of the series, The Immortal Man takes place in Birmingham in 1940 amid the chaos of World War II. Tommy Shelby, played by Murphy, returns from self-imposed isolation, facing both internal and external conflicts as he grapples with his past. With the stakes high for both his family and the nation, he must confront his legacy.

The original series, which aired from 2013 to 2022, garnered a dedicated global audience. The film’s development was long awaited, and when it was greenlit, Murphy referred to it as “one for the fans.”

Reflecting on the film’s production two weeks before its release, Murphy expressed satisfaction with the final product. He noted the extensive script revisions since discussions began in 2019. “For me personally, I really felt that the film needed to justify its existence because I love the ambiguity of the ending of Season 6,” he explained. Murphy advocated for a film that not only matches but improves upon the series’ conclusion, emphasizing the need for a more expansive cinematic experience.

The film’s historical context features the Birmingham Blitz, a time of terror and uncertainty. Knight shared his desire to convey that raw energy during the production, mentioning his mother’s accounts from that era.

He emphasized how the movie format enhances storytelling, stating, “You can see the car blown up; you don’t have somebody explain that a car has just been blown up.” This shift to a feature film format, according to Knight, allows for more ambitious storytelling and attracts a stronger cast.

The film boasts a noteworthy lineup, including Rebecca Ferguson as Kaulo, Tim Roth as Beckett, and Sophie Rundle reprising her role as Ada, Tommy’s sister. Barry Keoghan and Stephen Graham also return, alongside Jay Lycurgo as Duke’s right-hand man.

As production unfolded at Digbeth Loc. Studios in Birmingham, the environment facilitated a scale of production previously unseen for the series. Knight expressed the significance of the studio space near his childhood home and how it inspired his writing of Peaky Blinders.

Murphy noted the physical demands of the film, describing it as an “incredibly physical film.” He characterized his return to Tommy Shelby as both familiar and strange, indicating that Tommy is a character experiencing a disconnect from life and family.

Director Tom Harper, returning to direct after Season 1 of Peaky Blinders, highlighted that adapting the series to a two-hour format posed a unique challenge, but one that was creatively rewarding. He remarked on the value of collaboration with Murphy, noting their history and shared understanding of the characters and show.

The film reaches ambitious heights in set piece production, with more intense physical scenes that differentiate it from the series. “We blew up a lot of sh*t. It was really fun,” Harper remarked, indicating a more dynamic visual presentation.

Murphy was deeply involved in the casting process, targeting actors like Ferguson and Roth for their respective roles. Roth appreciated the film’s traditional filming techniques and noted the film’s ambition compared to other projects that rely heavily on visual effects.

As for the music, the film retains the edgy sound associated with the series, featuring returning composers Antony Genn and Martin Slattery. Murphy praised their contributions, highlighting how the soundtrack’s original songs elevate the film’s emotional impact.

Ultimately, Murphy expressed a desire for the film to resonate with fans of the series and to stand on its own merit. He viewed The Immortal Man as a heartfelt tribute to the show’s loyal audience, aiming to provide a fulfilling cinematic experience that complements their investment in the Peaky Blinders legacy.