Peaky Blinders’ Is Back – With a Bold New Twist: Spin-Off Set in 1950s Birmingham Confirmed by Creator
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It’s official: the razor-sharp legacy of Peaky Blinders is far from over. Steven Knight, the acclaimed creator behind the global phenomenon, has confirmed that a brand-new spin-off series is in the works—one that promises to chart bold new territory while staying fiercely loyal to its roots.
Set in post-war 1950s Birmingham, the series will introduce the “next generation” of the Shelby empire and explore the cultural upheaval of the era. Think teddy boys, rising street gangs, and the looming shadow of the Kray twins. Knight revealed the news in an exclusive with Birmingham Live, proudly declaring, “There is a new series and what’s really great for Birmingham is that, like the film, it will be shot here.”
The series is expected to follow hot on the heels of Peaky Blinders: Immortal Man, the forthcoming feature film that stars Cillian Murphy, Stephen Graham, Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Roth, and Barry Keoghan. While Murphy’s return as Thomas Shelby in the new series remains unconfirmed, Knight’s teasing hints suggest fans haven’t seen the last of the formidable gang leader.
The spin-off will be filmed at the new Digbeth Loc Studios, part of Knight’s growing creative hub in his native Birmingham. It’s a full-circle moment for a franchise that, until now, was largely filmed in Leeds and Manchester due to outdated assumptions about Birmingham’s suitability as a filming location.
“In fact, the right settings are right here,” Knight said. “All we had to do was reveal the truth to them.” According to Knight, the cast and crew were blown away by the city’s cinematic beauty—especially the canals, Town Hall, and gritty industrial backdrops. “People were incredibly impressed. When we first get them here they say ‘why are you bringing me to Birmingham?’ But when they come and experience it, it is universally an incredible, positive response.”
Knight’s creative vision for Digbeth, combined with other major initiatives like Tom Wagner’s Sports Quarter at Birmingham City and the new BBC Masterchef studios, is part of a wider cultural renaissance for the city. “Birmingham is on the up,” Knight declared. “We need to stop putting ourselves down and believe in ourselves.”
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker echoed that sentiment, calling the series “a rightful return home” for Peaky Blinders. “The West Midlands is fast becoming a powerhouse for TV and film,” he said. “I’m doing everything I can to create opportunities for the brilliant creative talent we have here.”
The yet-untitled series is expected to premiere next year on the BBC and Netflix, continuing the Peaky Blinders legacy with a fresh coat of noir. While the suits may be sharper and the skyline changed, one thing remains certain: the Shelby name still cuts deep.