Shelby-family heads to silver-screen: 'Peaky Blinders' movie is 'being written'
'Peaky Blinders', the acclaimed BBC show, will return for its fifth season. The period crime drama follows the exploits of the Shelby family and the rise to power of this Birmingham street gang, weaving it masterfully with the socio-political climate of London and United Kingdom in the 1920s. While fans await season 5, there is news that a 'Peaky Blinders' movie is being developed.
Otto Bathurst, who directed the first three episodes of 'Peaky Blinders', announced that a movie was in the works. During an interview, Otto, who is currently promoting his Jamie Foxx starring 'Robin Hood' movie, spoke of the 'Peaky Blinders' film being in development. While no further details were discussed, he mentioned that show-writer, Steven Knight, had a plan in place for the upcoming project.
Otto's claims about the upcoming movie could be substantiated by a 2016 interview, where Knight said that a 'Peaky Blinders' movie was "probably going to" happen. However, since then focus had shifted from the movie until Otto rekindled it with his statement. Notably, Knight had wanted to complete the show in seven to eight seasons and the film could help finish the story.
Cillian Murphy who plays the role of Thomas Shelby, the protagonist, was ambivalent about the idea of a movie in 2016, saying he was 'not sure'. Although he loved the idea 'theoretically', he wanted to reserve judgment till it was pitched to him. However, he changed his stance in 2017, saying if the writing was at par with the show's, he was on board.
While we await more film details, season 5 is scheduled to air in 2019. It will show the Shelby family falling on hard times following the 1929 financial crash. Thomas, now the Labour MP for Small Heath, Birmingham, will be approached by a politician whose plan could change his as well as his family's lives. We cannot wait for the gritty show to return.
