Peaky Blinders Expands: Jamie Bell Leads New Series as Duke Shelby in First Look

Two new Peaky Blinders series are in development, with Jamie Bell set to lead as Duke Shelby. The shows are set in 1950s Birmingham, continuing the story a decade after The Immortal Man, and will premiere on the BBC in the UK and on Netflix globally.

A first-look image of Bell as Duke Shelby has also been released, introducing a new chapter centered on the next generation of the Shelby family.

A New Era for Peaky Blinders Begins

The Peaky Blinders new series marks a continuation of Steven Knight’s world, shifting the timeline to post–World War II Birmingham. Set ten years after the events of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, the story focuses on a city in transition, where rebuilding brings both opportunity and conflict.

At the center is Duke Shelby, now older and established within the Shelby legacy. The narrative places him at the core of a changing Birmingham, a city defined by both ambition and instability in the early 1950s.

Jamie Bell Leads as Duke Shelby

Peaky Blinders new series confirms Jamie Bell will take on the role of Duke Shelby, the son of Tommy Shelby.

Bell’s casting places him at the center of this next phase of the story. According to the official logline, Duke is portrayed as a more experienced and ambitious figure, navigating a city shaped by post-war recovery.

The character is positioned as a key figure in Birmingham’s evolving power structure, with the narrative focusing on his role within both the Shelby family and the broader environment.

Expanded Cast and New Faces

Alongside Bell, several additional cast members have been confirmed for the two new series.

The lineup includes:

  • Charlie Heaton
  • Jessica Brown Findlay
  • Lashana Lynch
  • Lucy Karczewski

Details about their specific roles have not yet been announced.

Peaky Blinders Expands: Jamie Bell Leads New Series as Duke Shelby in First Look

Setting and Production Details

Peaky Blinders new series project is set in Birmingham during the early 1950s, a period defined by post-war reconstruction.

Filming is taking place in and around Digbeth Loc. Studios in Birmingham.

The two new series will each consist of six episodes, with a runtime of approximately 60 minutes per episode.

Production is handled by:

  • Kudos (Banijay UK)
  • Garrison Drama

Both companies were also involved in previous installments of the franchise.

Steven Knight Returns to the Franchise

Creator and writer Steven Knight continues his involvement in the franchise, overseeing both new series.

In a statement, Knight confirmed the shift to post-war Birmingham and highlighted the introduction of a new generation of characters, with Duke Shelby positioned as the central figure moving forward.

The expansion follows the release of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, directed by Tom Harper, which reached the number one spot globally on Netflix for two consecutive weeks after its debut.

A Franchise That Continues to Grow

Since its 2013 debut on BBC Two, Peaky Blinders has developed into a global series with a strong following and multiple awards, including the 2018 BAFTA for Best Drama Series.

The announcement of Peaky Blinders’ new series extends the franchise’s timeline and introduces a new chapter while maintaining continuity with earlier entries.

The two upcoming series will premiere on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK, with Netflix handling international distribution.

FAQ

Who plays Duke Shelby in the new Peaky Blinders series?
Jamie Bell has been cast as Duke Shelby, the son of Tommy Shelby.

When are the new Peaky Blinders series set?
The story takes place in the early 1950s, around ten years after The Immortal Man.

Where will the new Peaky Blinders series be released?
The series will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in the UK, and on Netflix internationally.

Key Details

  • Project: Two new Peaky Blinders series
  • Lead Actor: Jamie Bell as Duke Shelby
  • Additional Cast: Charlie Heaton, Jessica Brown Findlay, Lashana Lynch, Lucy Karczewski
  • Creator/Writer: Steven Knight
  • Setting: Birmingham, early 1950s
  • Timeline: Set 10 years after Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man
  • Episode Count: 6 episodes per series (approx. 60 minutes each)
  • Production Companies: Kudos (Banijay UK), Garrison Drama
  • Filming Location: Digbeth Loc. Studios, Birmingham
  • UK Release: BBC iPlayer and BBC One
  • Global Release: Netflix
Emma Armbrüster is Senior Editorial Critic at The Viewer’s Perspective. Based in Veneto, Italy, she specializes in deep-dive narrative analysis and episode-by-episode recaps of premier television, providing an independent vantage point on the modern streaming landscape.

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