Further casting details for the upcoming Peaky Blinders spin-off have been unveiled by the BBC, with Game of Thrones actor Conleth Hill among the new additions. The highly anticipated drama, which continues the narrative of the notorious Shelby family, is set in Birmingham during the 1950s, navigating the city's challenging post-Second World War landscape.
Hill, celebrated for his portrayal of Varys in the fantasy epic Game of Thrones, will take on the role of Clemmy Keeler, the formidable patriarch of a rival gangster family. His character is expected to pose a significant challenge to the Shelby family's ambitions as they attempt to rebuild their lives and influence in a city grappling with both fresh opportunities and considerable dangers. Cal O’Driscoll will feature as Clemmy’s son, Aidan Keeler, with Daniel Monks cast as Detective Inspector Bell.
The series will see Jamie Bell and Charlie Heaton starring as Duke and Charles Shelby respectively, navigating the complex environment of post-war Birmingham. Also joining the ensemble are Samuel Bottomley as Eliot, Arturo Muselli as Angelo, Eugene Collins as Frank, and Lucie Shorthouse as Kezia Lee. Familiar faces from the original series and film, Ned Dennehy and Packy Lee, will reprise their roles as Charlie Strong and Johnny Dogs, providing a link to the beloved Peaky Blinders universe.
Filming is currently underway at Digbeth Loc. Studios in Birmingham and the surrounding areas, bringing the period setting to life. The new cast members join previously announced stars including Jessica Brown Findlay, Lashana Lynch, and Lucy Karczewski, though details of their specific roles are yet to be disclosed. The spin-off is being directed by Mike Barker, known for 'The Testaments', and Anna Zackrisson, of 'Detective Hole'.
This sequel follows the critically acclaimed original television series, which concluded in 2022 and earned BAFTA recognition during its run, including a BAFTA TV Award for Best Drama Series. The new show is set a decade after the events of 'Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man', a feature-length film released earlier this year which saw Cillian Murphy return as Tommy Shelby and Barry Keoghan as Duke. The original series, which launched on the BBC in 2013, became a global phenomenon, celebrated for its stylish portrayal of early 20th-century Birmingham gangsters.
Commissioned for two series, each comprising six hour-long episodes, the spin-off promises to deliver the gritty drama and intricate storytelling that fans have come to expect. Screenwriter Steven Knight has affirmed that the new narrative will remain deeply rooted in Birmingham, portraying a city's resurgence from the devastation of the blitz, with a new generation of Shelbys at the helm.