As the cinematic release of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man approaches on March 20, creator Steven Knight has revealed an expansive future for the franchise that extends far beyond the upcoming film. In a recent interview, Knight confirmed that two additional series set in the Peaky Blinders universe are already in active development, signaling a major expansion of the gritty British crime saga that began as a BBC television phenomenon.
The Cinematic Return of Tommy Shelby
The immediate focus remains on the franchise’s transition to the big screen. Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man represents both a continuation and a new beginning, featuring Cillian Murphy’s return as the iconic Tommy Shelby after several years of narrative absence. The film presents a dramatic shift in Shelby’s circumstances—once a powerful legend, he now returns from exile to a Birmingham where his influence has waned, forced to confront both personal and national threats when he discovers his son, played by Barry Keoghan, has become entangled with enemy forces.
Knight’s vision for the theatrical experience is deliberate and community-focused. “I really want everyone to come back together, in the same place, because the communication has been all virtual, which is great,” Knight told The Playlist. “But I want this to happen in theaters, so everyone can see this event together.” This statement reflects his understanding of the franchise’s evolution from cult television series to cinematic event, acknowledging the communal viewing experience that helped build the show’s passionate following.
Expanding the Universe with New Stories
Beyond the immediate film release, Knight has confirmed substantial plans for franchise expansion. In partnership with both the BBC and Netflix, two new series are currently in development, with one specifically set to explore 1953 Britain. This temporal leap suggests the Peaky Blinders universe will continue evolving beyond its original early 20th century setting, potentially exploring post-war Britain and new generations of characters.
When questioned about extending his partnership with Netflix for future projects, Knight responded with notable optimism: “We have many other stories to tell. We can simply continue; continue moving forward in time. As long as there is interest and people want it, and I have stories, why not?” This open-ended approach indicates a franchise built for longevity rather than a finite conclusion, with Knight viewing the Shelby family saga as having virtually unlimited narrative potential across different historical periods.
The Organic Growth of a Cultural Phenomenon
What makes Knight’s confidence particularly noteworthy is the franchise’s organic growth trajectory. Unlike many contemporary media properties launched with massive marketing campaigns, Peaky Blinders initially found its audience through word-of-mouth and gradual discovery. “There was never a big promotion for the original series and this movie,” Knight acknowledged, “but people simply discovered it and started talking about it with each other.” This grassroots popularity has created a particularly devoted fanbase whose enthusiasm has directly contributed to the franchise’s expansion possibilities.
The transition from television to film represents a significant milestone, but Knight’s revelation about multiple series in development suggests this is merely one phase of a much larger strategy. The franchise appears to be adopting a multi-platform approach that could see stories told simultaneously across film, television, and potentially other media, creating an interconnected narrative universe similar to successful models in contemporary franchise storytelling.
Historical Context and Future Directions
The confirmed 1953 setting for one of the new series offers intriguing possibilities for narrative development. This period places the story firmly in post-war Britain, a time of significant social change, reconstruction, and shifting power dynamics—themes that resonate strongly with the original series’ exploration of class, power, and societal transformation. This temporal shift suggests the franchise may follow multiple generations of characters or explore how the legacy of the Shelby family and their criminal empire evolves through different historical epochs.
Knight’s comment about “moving forward in time” indicates a franchise philosophy centered on evolution rather than repetition. Rather than simply retelling similar stories in the same period, the Peaky Blinders universe seems poised to explore how the themes of ambition, family, power, and violence manifest across different moments in British history. This approach could potentially keep the franchise relevant for years to come, with each new series or film offering both continuity and fresh perspectives.
The Streaming Distribution Strategy
The international release strategy further illustrates the franchise’s evolving nature. While the film will see theatrical release in select markets, Brazilian audiences will experience The Immortal Man exclusively through streaming platforms. This hybrid distribution model reflects contemporary viewing patterns while maintaining Knight’s emphasis on communal experience where possible. The partnership between BBC and Netflix for the new series development also suggests a strategic blending of traditional and streaming platforms that maximizes audience reach while maintaining creative control.
This distribution approach acknowledges the global nature of the Peaky Blinders phenomenon. What began as a distinctly British period drama has evolved into an international success story, with fan communities spanning continents. The multi-platform strategy ensures accessibility while preserving the option for theatrical events that Knight values for their communal significance.
Sustaining Narrative Quality Amid Expansion
The most significant challenge facing any expanding franchise is maintaining narrative quality and coherence across multiple projects. Knight’s continued involvement as creator and writer provides crucial consistency, but the confirmation of multiple new series raises questions about how the distinctive tone and style of Peaky Blinders will be preserved as the universe expands. The original series was notable for its specific visual aesthetic, musical choices, and character-driven storytelling—elements that must translate effectively to new settings and time periods.
Knight’s confidence seems rooted in both the existing narrative foundation and the unexplored potential of the universe he created. The Shelby family’s rise from street gang to political and economic power brokers established themes of ambition, legacy, and the costs of success that could resonate across numerous historical contexts. The criminal underworld setting provides a consistent through-line while allowing for adaptation to different periods’ specific social and economic conditions.
As the franchise prepares for its cinematic debut while simultaneously developing television expansions, the coming months will reveal how effectively Peaky Blinders can transition between formats and time periods. The film’s reception will undoubtedly influence the trajectory of the planned series, but Knight’s forward-looking statements suggest a long-term vision already in motion. The creator’s evident passion for the world he built, combined with the audience’s sustained enthusiasm, creates favorable conditions for successful expansion.
The enduring appeal of Peaky Blinders ultimately rests on its compelling characters and their moral complexities within meticulously realized historical settings. As Tommy Shelby returns to theaters and new stories begin development for television, the franchise stands at a pivotal moment—transitioning from a beloved series to a multi-platform universe while maintaining the distinctive qualities that earned its dedicated following. Knight’s vision of continuous storytelling moving forward through time suggests we may be witnessing only the beginning of the Peaky Blinders legacy, with many chapters yet to be written in the Shelby family saga and the world they inhabit.
