Star-Studded Premiere in Birmingham
Cillian Murphy was among a prominent cast gathered in Birmingham as the red carpet was rolled out for the premiere of the Peaky Blinders film, The Immortal Man.
Hundreds of fans, many wearing flat caps and tweed, assembled to catch a glimpse of the cast, including Rebecca Ferguson and Tim Roth, as they arrived at the city's Symphony Hall for the drama's transition to the big screen.
Film Continuation of Acclaimed TV Series
The film continues the story from Steven Knight's acclaimed Birmingham-set television series, with Oscar winner Murphy reprising his role as gang leader Tommy Shelby. The narrative depicts Shelby returning to Birmingham during World War Two.
During the glamorous event, Knight emphasized that Birmingham, where much of the film was shot, was itself a key character in the story. Murphy also highlighted the inseparability of the city and Peaky Blinders.
"It's important for the fans, it's important for [Steven Knight], I think it was very important.
Steve has written it from stories he was told by his parents growing up here... it's huge, you can't separate the two."
Fans' Role in the Show's Success
Earlier, Knight spoke about the significant role fans have played in the drama's success.
"The fans have been like the energy for the show from the very beginning," he said.
"It was never really pushed or promoted, or advertised much. It was the fans who discovered it and then talked to each other about it."
The film is scheduled for cinema release on Friday for two weeks, followed by streaming availability on Netflix from 20 March.
"The thing with Peaky is that people do tend to watch it on their own or in their house but this is a chance for people to watch it together," Knight added regarding the movie experience.
Local Celebrities and Fans Attend
Local celebrities attending the event included Duran Duran's John Taylor, Birmingham City and Strictly Come Dancing's Karen Carney, and Aston Villa players Jadon Sancho, Ezri Konsa, Tammy Abraham, and Morgan Rogers.
However, as Knight suggested, the occasion was also about the fans.
Claire White and Albert Laszlo traveled from Derby to meet the stars. They expressed hopes to open a Peaky Blinders-themed café and cake bar, decorated with signed memorabilia.
Clair McManus, Susan McManus, Lisa Turner, and Elisha Guiney also dressed up for the occasion.
"We've come for a good night out and we're just pleased to be here," Clair McManus said.
"It's our first premiere as well," added Turner.
"I love it because it's about Birmingham and I love Birmingham, and of course Cillian Murphy helps as well."
Arthur Cocker was another attendee, wearing a two-piece suit, a watch, and traditional chain. The 55-year-old Birmingham fan noted the series' role in raising the city's profile.
"The new series is getting filmed here now, and from this evening, people who pass us by are going to want to watch Peaky Blinders," he said.
"Everybody's making an effort to get dressed for the occasion. People just want to be part of the culture of the Peaky Blinders and the history."
Special Tram and City Decorations
Prior to the premiere, Transport for West Midlands unveiled a specially-designed Metro tram featuring the message "Home of the Peaky Blinders" on its side.
The tram was showcased for the first time at the Central Library tram stop in Centenary Square and was named "Steven Knight" in recognition of his contributions to promoting the city and region through the franchise.
Additionally, Ozzy the mechanical bull, named after the late rock star Ozzy Osbourne and located inside Birmingham's main railway station, received a Peaky Blinders makeover, sporting a large flat cap between its horns.
Alongside the bronze bull, an interactive experience was available for fans to step inside a themed photo booth.
Film Setting and New Cast Members
The film is set in Birmingham in 1940, amid the destruction caused by World War Two. It portrays a greying and older Tommy Shelby who has "driven back from a self-imposed exile to face his most destructive reckoning yet."
New additions to the cast include Rebecca Ferguson, known for Dune, Tim Roth from Reservoir Dogs, and Barry Keoghan from Saltburn, who plays Shelby's son.
When asked if she had considered giving her character a Brummie accent, Ferguson stated it was never considered.
"I'm quite uncomfortable with accents in general - they kind of hinder me, and I feel quite claustrophobic," she said, adding "Brummie was never a conversation."
Stephen Graham, known for Adolescence, returns to the cast, as does Sophie Rundle, who portrays Tommy's sister Ada.
Written by Steven Knight and directed by Tom Harper, the film features a cast including Ned Dennehy (Culprits), Packy Lee (Blue Lights), Ian Peck (His Dark Materials), and Jay Lycurgo (Steve), alongside Murphy.
Future of Peaky Blinders
Following the film, Peaky Blinders is set to return to television with a time jump, focusing on the exploits of a new generation of the Shelby family after World War Two.
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