While Netflix had already confirmed that a sequel feature about the Shelby family is on the way, the gangster saga won’t end there – Peaky Blinders will return in a new series.
From writer Steven Knight, creator of the original show, will come a two-season story about the new generation of Shelbys. Set in Birmingham in 1953, it will follow the members of the family as they navigate a post-World War II reality. In the 1950s, heavily damaged by bombing, the city entered an era of reconstruction, setting new opportunities for both the regular inhabitants and the criminal underworld.
The news, which will surely delight die-hard Peaky Blinders fans, left me torn.
Back in 2013, I was desperately seeking a series that could fill the void left by Breaking Bad, which had just ended. Peaky Blinders seemed to have it all: a mob story, sophisticated visuals, a complex and charismatic lead, a sensational supporting cast, and last but not least, a great soundtrack. I quickly got lost in the grim reality of 1920s Birmingham… as well as Cillian Murphy’s sky-blue eyes.
However, the magic didn’t last long. The fourth season got tiring, with Tommy’s obvious plot armour and implausible twists. Plus, the ghosts and curses in the following instalments were even more bizarre.
And yet, although I’m not particularly excited about the concept of the Shelby-verse (it seems that TV shows also aren’t safe from this ‘universe’ treatment), the new BBC and Netflix series may still win me over. It simply needs to meet three conditions.
1. An outstanding cast
Peaky Blinders wouldn’t be a viral hit if it weren’t for Cillian Murphy – the Irish actor was the beating heart of the series, bringing the real magic into the character of Tommy Shelby. The rest of the cast is also not to be underestimated, with the unforgettable Helen McCrory as Aunt Polly, Paul Anderson as Arthur Shelby, Sam Neill as Major Campbell, and Tom Hardy as Alfie Solomons, to name a few.
The original Peaky Blinders created many iconic characters, and the sequel has the potential to do the same. The initial description of the series suggests that its cast will be young. That means that, alongside experienced names, the new Peaky Blinders may feature some upcoming British (or Irish) stars.
My dream cast? I wouldn’t mind seeing Harris Dickinson, Joseph Quinn, Leo Woodall, or the very young but highly talented Owen Cooper among the Birmingham gangsters. As for actresses, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for Florence Pugh or Mia Goth.
BBC
2. Mesmerising visuals
The portrait of the 1920s in Steven Knight’s series is far from what you can enjoy in Downton Abbey. Instead of depicting the fairy-tale existence of the aristocrats, the story of the Shelby family immersed audiences in the darkness and poverty of working-class Birmingham.
The beginning of my adventure with Peaky Blinders coincided with my budding love for vintage fashion. And although there were few luxurious outfits in the series, this non-romanticised vision of the interwar period won my heart. Besides, the Shelby family’s distinctive hairstyles and suits had as much class as Lord Crawley’s finest tuxedo.
The 50s are an equally interesting time period for set pieces and outfits. Birmingham, which is undergoing reconstruction, will once again provide a magnificent visual backdrop for a gangster story. I hope that the creators will maintain a raw portrait of the city and its inhabitants, while also showcasing the classic fashion, design, and pop culture of the era.
BBC
3. A script firmly grounded in reality
I have one simple wish here – no ghosts. The slightly eerie aura surrounding Tommy from the first scene in the series was admittedly cool, but paranormal themes aren’t something I expect from a violent gangster story.
I’d much prefer the focus to be on criminal schemes, fights with other gangs, and shady deals with politicians and the police. More The Wire, less soap opera.
The release date for the new Peaky Blinders series hasn’t been announced yet. However, we know that it will be available in the UK on BBC iPlayer and BBC One, and globally on Netflix. Cillian Murphy will co-executive produce the series alongside Steven Knight and others.
