Cillian Murphy: The Immortal Man Brings Tommy Shelby Back to Life in 2026

The Triumphant Return of Tommy Shelby

Cillian Murphy, fresh from his Academy Award triumph for Oppenheimer, is set to captivate audiences once again as he returns to his most iconic television role. Murphy will return as Thomas Shelby in The Immortal Man, a continuation of Peaky Blinders, scheduled to hit theatres on 6 March 2026, and on Netflix fourteen days later. This highly anticipated film marks a significant moment for fans who have followed the Birmingham gangster’s journey since 2013.

The Irish actor’s career has reached unprecedented heights following his Oscar-winning portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s 2023 epic. That deep, psychological role earned the Irish actor the coveted Oscar for Best Actor last March. Now, Murphy brings his celebrated intensity back to the character that made him a household name, closing a chapter that has defined much of the past decade in British television drama.

The Final Chapter for Tommy Shelby

Murphy admitted that The Immortal Man will be his final time playing Tommy, marking an emotional farewell to a role he inhabited for six critically acclaimed seasons. The plot will unfold in Birmingham, ravaged by World War II, with Tommy Shelby returning during the conflict’s peak for secret missions. Rebecca Ferguson and Barry Keoghan have joined the cast of The Immortal Man alongside Murphy, adding star power to this cinematic conclusion.

Academy Award winner Cillian Murphy recently joined agent Adam Schweitzer at WME, positioning himself for continued success in Hollywood’s upper echelons. His selective approach to projects has proven financially rewarding, with analysts projecting substantial growth in his career trajectory.

Beyond Peaky Blinders: Murphy’s Expanding Empire

While The Immortal Man represents Murphy’s final performance as Tommy Shelby, the actor remains attached to the franchise. The actor will be an executive producer, alongside Knight, on a brand-new Peaky Blinders TV show that takes place in 1953 Britain after World War II. This ensures the beloved series continues whilst allowing Murphy to pursue other creative ventures.

Murphy’s recent work demonstrates his commitment to diverse, challenging roles. He starred in the Netflix drama Steve and appeared in the critically praised 2024 film Small Things Like These. Additionally, Murphy serves as executive producer on the upcoming 28 Years Later trilogy, reconnecting with the zombie franchise that helped launch his international career over two decades ago.

Significance for British Television and Cinema

The release of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man represents more than just the conclusion of a popular series—it exemplifies the evolution of British television drama into cinematic territory. The film’s theatrical release before its Netflix debut acknowledges the cultural significance of the Shelby family saga and Murphy’s transformative performance.

For fans and critics alike, Murphy’s final outing as Tommy Shelby promises to deliver the intensity, complexity, and dark charisma that made Peaky Blinders a global phenomenon. As March 2026 approaches, anticipation builds for what will undoubtedly be one of the year’s most significant entertainment events, cementing Cillian Murphy’s legacy as one of the finest actors of his generation.