Why Steven Knight Insists the ‘Peaky Blinders’ Movie Belongs in Cinemas—Not Just on Netflix

While Peaky Blinders found a massive and loyal fan base through its Netflix streaming success, series creator Steven Knight has a different vision for the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie. Knight is adamant that the film should be experienced in cinemas, not just streamed at home, so that fans can come together in one place to enjoy the conclusion to the iconic story.

In an interview with The Playlist, Knight explained his reasoning behind this choice: “I really want the ‘Peaky’ fans who have been a big part of this to be watching it all together in one building.” He emphasized that while virtual communication has been a hallmark of the series’ fan engagement, the shared experience of watching the film in theaters would offer something truly special. “The communication has all been virtual, but I do want this to be in cinemas so that people can sit there together and watch this thing happen.”

This announcement comes on the heels of the movie’s official green light in June 2024. After six successful seasons on Netflix from 2013 to 2022, the series’ journey is set to continue in a big way on the silver screen. Fans can expect to see Peaky Blinders return in full cinematic glory, with Cillian Murphy reprising his role as Tommy Shelby, not only as the lead actor but also as a producer for the film. Directed by Tom Harper, the movie has an exciting cast, including Barry Keoghan, Tim Roth, Rebecca Ferguson, and Stephen Graham. Knight proudly teased, “We wrapped on December 13th… and I have to say, it is mind-blowingly good.”

While plot details remain a closely guarded secret, the film is expected to continue exploring the early 20th-century world of organized crime in Birmingham, a theme that has been central to the series. The focus on family—a motif that has defined Peaky Blinders—will continue to drive the narrative in the film. Harper, who directed the original series, expressed his excitement about the film adaptation: “When I first directed ‘Peaky Blinders’ over 10 years ago, we didn’t know what the series would become, but we did know that there was something in the alchemy of the cast and the writing that felt explosive.”

The idea of bringing fans together in a cinema setting, despite the series’ overwhelming success on Netflix, points to Knight’s desire to offer an experience that goes beyond just watching the story unfold. For Knight, it’s about community and connection—something that’s more impactful when shared in the collective experience of a theater. As the excitement for the film builds, fans can look forward to a Peaky Blinders movie that not only delivers gripping drama but also gives them the chance to be part of something larger than just the content itself.

As Murphy put it, his time as Tommy Shelby “wasn’t finished with me,” and for fans, this movie is a chance to reenter the world of Peaky Blinders in a way that feels deeply personal and shared by all. For Knight, it’s all about offering fans the chance to celebrate this thrilling chapter in the Peaky Blinders legacy—together.