Jamie Bell Cast as Duke Shelby in New Peaky Blinders Sequel Series for BBC and Netflix
British actor Jamie Bell has been confirmed as the lead in a new Peaky Blinders sequel series, taking on the role of Duke Shelby — the eldest son of Tommy Shelby — in a production set in post-war Birmingham that will air on BBC One and stream globally on Netflix.
The announcement, made on 2 April, marks a major new chapter for one of British television's most celebrated franchises, with the sequel set a decade after the events of the recent film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man.
Background
The original Peaky Blinders series, created and written by Steven Knight, premiered on BBC Two in 2013 and ran for six series, earning a global following and cementing its place as one of the defining British dramas of the past decade. The franchise expanded with the 2026 film The Immortal Man, starring Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby and Barry Keoghan as a younger Duke Shelby, which became Netflix's number one movie globally for two consecutive weeks following its release on 20 March.
Jamie Bell, best known internationally for his breakthrough role in Billy Elliot (2000) and subsequent work in films including Rocketman and Fantastic Four, will now take on the role of an older, more dangerous Duke Shelby in the new series.
Key Developments
The new series, which has received an order for two six-episode seasons, is set in early 1950s Birmingham — a city undergoing a brutal rebuilding process in the aftermath of the Second World War, described as a place filled with both opportunities and dangers. Duke Shelby is portrayed as "older, wiser, more ambitious, and most certainly more dangerous" than the character seen in the film.
Filming has already begun at Digbeth Loc. Studios in Birmingham, with director Mike Barker helming the first episode. The cast also includes Charlie Heaton, known for his role in Stranger Things, alongside Jessica Brown Findlay, Lashana Lynch, and Lucy Karczewski, who is making her television debut. Steven Knight expressed excitement about the new era of the franchise, with further cast announcements expected.
The series is produced by Banijay UK's Kudos and Garrison Drama for BBC, and will be available on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK, with global streaming rights held by Netflix.
Why It Matters
The new Peaky Blinders series represents a significant investment in British television production, with Birmingham once again set to benefit from the economic and cultural boost that comes with hosting a major international production. The franchise has previously been credited with transforming perceptions of Birmingham and driving tourism to the city.
For British and Irish audiences, the continuation of the Shelby family saga on BBC One ensures the series remains accessible to all viewers, while the Netflix partnership guarantees its global reach.
What's Next
No premiere date has yet been announced for the new series, though production is now underway. Steven Knight has indicated that more casting announcements are forthcoming. The success of The Immortal Man on Netflix has clearly provided the commercial justification for an ambitious two-season order.
Full casting details are available via Deadline and RTÉ Entertainment.
