Quick Read
- Cillian Murphy reprises his iconic role as Tommy Shelby in the new film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man.
- The plot centers on a personal conflict between Tommy Shelby and his son, played by Barry Keoghan.
- The film is currently in theaters and will debut on Netflix on March 20, 2026.
LONDON (Azat TV) – Cillian Murphy has officially stepped back into the shoes of the formidable Tommy Shelby, anchoring the highly anticipated film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. Currently playing in theaters, the film marks a significant expansion of the acclaimed franchise, arriving as Murphy’s first major return to the character following his 2024 Academy Award win for Oppenheimer.
The Conflict at the Heart of The Immortal Man
In this latest chapter, the narrative shifts toward a high-stakes personal rivalry, pitting the veteran gangster Tommy Shelby against his own son, portrayed by Barry Keoghan. This central tension provides a fresh dimension to the saga, moving beyond the historical gang warfare that defined the television series to explore the complexities of legacy and fractured familial bonds. The film is scheduled for a broad digital release on Netflix starting March 20, 2026.
Acting as the Shy Man’s Revenge
For Murphy, the return to Shelby is a deliberate choice to revisit a character who has occupied a central place in his career for years. Reflecting on his process, the 49-year-old actor described acting as the “shy man’s revenge,” a medium that allows him to inhabit vastly different personas while remaining largely detached from the trappings of celebrity. Despite his global recognition, Murphy maintains a low public profile, living in Ireland and focusing on the craft rather than the industry’s external pressures.
Transitioning From Oppenheimer to Shelby
The transition from the intense, emaciated physicality required for his Oscar-winning role in Oppenheimer back to the gritty, charismatic silhouette of Tommy Shelby highlights Murphy’s commitment to character-driven storytelling. While acknowledging the “iconic” status of an Academy Award win, Murphy emphasized that his priority remains the work itself, noting that he approaches each project by trying to portray his characters as “honestly and convincingly as possible.” His recent filmography, including Small Things Like These and Steve, underscores this dedication to varied, grounded roles.
The return of Cillian Murphy to the Peaky Blinders universe serves as a strategic bridge between his newfound status as an Oscar-winning lead and his foundational work in television, suggesting that the franchise’s longevity depends less on its historical scale and more on the evolving, intimate psychological conflicts of its protagonist.