The much-anticipated Peaky Blinders film sees several fresh cast additions join the established ensemble. Central to the story is Tommy Shelby, who confronts threats more dangerous than ever in this big-screen chapter of the Shelby saga. The film, set largely in Birmingham, explores how Shelby’s world expands and intensifies beyond the television series, with new challenges testing his resolve.
The Immortal Man Introduces a Unique Villain Played by Tim Roth
In Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, Tommy Shelby faces an unprecedented adversary, Beckett, portrayed by Tim Roth. Beckett’s character tries to enlist Tommy’s son Duke into a covert operation designed to help Nazi Germany win World War II by distributing counterfeit currency across Britain. This plotline amplifies the stakes for the Shelby family, bringing a new level of danger and intrigue into the narrative.
Cillian Murphy’s Admiration for Tim Roth and Their Collaboration
At the film’s Birmingham premiere on 2 March, Cillian Murphy spoke with Radio Times about what distinguishes Beckett from previous enemies. Murphy described the character as deceptively calm but lethal. He praised Roth’s performance, recalling their past work together and his excitement at being able to invite Roth to join the new film.
He seems quite innocuous, but he’s deadly,
Murphy said.
Tim Roth is one of my favourite actors, and we’d worked together before, and I was able to ask him to come and play in this one. He’s brilliant in the film!
Murphy further shared his deep respect for Roth’s career during a Q&A at the BFI on 27 February. Roth has been a significant influence for Murphy since his youth, inspiring his acting journey well before Murphy began his own career.
an acting hero of mine growing up
, Murphy said.
He elaborated,
Even before I became an actor his films were massive for me. I once gave him an award in Dublin and embarrassed him, just spoke about every film. And then I was lucky enough to make a film with him about 10 years ago, a smaller film called Broken.
This long-standing admiration and professional history helped form the basis of their renewed collaboration on The Immortal Man.
Director Steven Knight and Tim Roth Shape Beckett’s Character
The film’s writer and director, Steven Knight, initially crafted Beckett as a more aristocratic figure. However, after discussions with Roth, the character’s background was reimagined to mirror Tommy Shelby’s working-class roots. This adjustment lent greater depth and nuance to Beckett, enhancing the dynamic between the two characters.
We did a Zoom and he said, maybe he’s not an officer, maybe he’s not a toff, maybe he’s infantry, maybe he’s a working class man,
Knight told Radio Times. So that really was fantastic.
Murphy agreed that this redefinition improved the storyline, commenting on the thematic contrast between the protagonists.
It made them kind of the opposite sides of the one coin,
he remarked. Which is brilliant.
Release Dates and Viewing Options for Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man premiered in cinemas on 6 March and is set to be available for streaming on Netflix from 20 March. The Netflix release will be accessible via options starting at £5.99 per month and can also be viewed through platforms such as Sky Glass and Virgin Media. Fans of the series can continue watching the Peaky Blinders television program on BBC iPlayer, maintaining engagement with the show’s ongoing legacy.
Insight from Senior Film Writer Patrick Cremona
Patrick Cremona, the Senior Film Writer at Radio Times, has provided extensive coverage of the Peaky Blinders movie. Since joining the site in October 2019, Cremona has interviewed numerous prominent actors and reviewed a broad range of films. His expertise gives readers an informed perspective on the continuing evolution of the Peaky Blinders universe.
