Tom Holland Auditioned for Peaky Blinders—But Didn’t Land the Role
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Before becoming synonymous with Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Tom Holland tried his hand at joining the gritty world of Peaky Blinders. The British crime drama, famed for its portrayal of post–World War I Birmingham gangsters and led by Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, has captivated audiences since its 2013 debut. Yet Holland’s attempt to join the series didn’t pan out—though his connection to the franchise might not be over.
The Audition That Didn’t Stick
In a February 2022 interview with LadBible, Holland revealed, “I actually auditioned for Peaky Blinders and I did not get the part.” The exact timing and role remain undisclosed, but speculation abounds. Actor Harry Kirton, who plays Finn Shelby, suggested Holland might have gone for the role of Michael Gray, played by Finn Cole, noting the physical resemblance between the two actors. Creator Steven Knight hinted to MovieWeb that Holland auditioned for a “quite a big role,” though he declined to specify which.
The reasons Holland didn’t secure the role are unclear. Industry insiders suggest that casting decisions hinge on chemistry, directorial vision, and scheduling conflicts—factors that may have influenced the outcome, especially given Holland’s rising commitments as Spider-Man.
A Possible Future with Peaky Blinders
Though Holland didn’t make the cut for the series, creator Steven Knight expressed openness to having him join the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie, The Immortal Man. Knight told Screen Rant, “If he wants to come back for the film, we’ll have him.” As of mid-2025, the film is in production, with Murphy reprising his role and other key cast members returning, but Holland’s involvement remains unconfirmed.
Context Within the Industry
Holland’s experience underscores a common truth in acting: rejection is part of the journey, even for established stars. Peaky Blinders casting has always been fiercely competitive, attracting talent from around the world. Holland’s willingness to audition for a major British drama highlights his range and ambition beyond blockbuster superhero roles.
As The Immortal Man moves forward, fans of both the series and Holland watch closely—there’s still a chance the actor may step into the Peaky Blinders universe after all.
