Devoted followers of the hit series Peaky Blinders are growing increasingly anxious that the upcoming Netflix film will see the demise of their beloved anti-hero, Tommy Shelby. The concern follows an interview where actor Cillian Murphy described filming an intensely emotional final scene for 'Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man'.
Murphy's Poignant Filming Revelation
In a conversation with Empire magazine, Murphy, who has portrayed the iconic Birmingham gang leader since the show's inception, reflected on shooting his last scene. He set the scene on a hillside in the Peak District, battling fading light and pouring rain. 'It was a really emotional scene,' the Irish actor recalled, adding that the underwhelming aftermath, where everyone simply drove away, contrasted sharply with the weight of the moment.
Murphy admitted he won't fully process the end of Tommy's journey until audiences see the film in March 2026. 'I believe that a film isn't finished until people look at it,' he stated. These poignant comments have been interpreted by many fans as a strong hint that Tommy Shelby's story concludes with his death.
Fan Speculation and the Future of the Shelby Legacy
Online forums, particularly on Reddit, are alight with theory and dread. One user noted that the language used by Murphy and creator Steven Knight about 'closing that chapter' speaks volumes. Another fan pragmatically observed that while the film is clearly Tommy's finale, his survival by the closing credits remains uncertain.
Further fuelling the speculation is the confirmed spin-off series, which will be executive-produced by Murphy but is not expected to feature Tommy Shelby directly. The film itself will introduce a new generation of the gang, led by Barry Keoghan, effectively passing the torch. Steven Knight has framed the movie as 'the last few chapters of a long novel', designed to round off Tommy's saga and prepare viewers for what follows.
What We Know About 'The Immortal Man'
The official synopsis sets the story in Birmingham, 1940, with Tommy Shelby returning from exile amidst the chaos of the Second World War. Faced with a destructive reckoning, he must confront his demons and decide the fate of his legacy, with the future of both his family and the country hanging in the balance.
The star-studded cast for this cinematic chapter includes newcomers Rebecca Ferguson and Stephen Graham, alongside returning favourite Sophie Rundle. Notable absences, such as Paul Anderson's Arthur Shelby, signal the shifting focus away from the original gang members.
'Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man' is scheduled for a cinematic release on March 6, 2026, followed by its global Netflix debut on March 20, 2026. Fans now face an agonising wait to discover if the man who has cheated death countless times finally meets his match.
