Steven Knight Reflects on Peaky Blinders' Global Phenomenon
Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, describes the show's rise as "a surprise, a shock, an absolute pleasure and unexpected." The series, starring Cillian Murphy as the formidable Tommy Shelby, has evolved from BBC Two to BBC One and now to Netflix, which is co-producing the new feature film The Immortal Man. After a limited cinema release, the film is now available for streaming.
From Birmingham to the World
For Knight, a Birmingham native, the show's global reach has been a personal journey. He notes sightings of Peaky Blinders-themed bars in Spain, Buenos Aires, and China, and even reports of fans in Afghanistan being arrested for dressing as the characters. "The idea that it's gone really around the world, to places you wouldn't expect, feels very personal because it was about Birmingham and my family," Knight explains. This success has bolstered his confidence in creating authentic content that resonates globally.
Expanding the Peaky Universe
Knight's recent projects include writing the upcoming James Bond film, directed by Denis Villeneuve, and other hits like SAS: Rogue Heroes and House of Guinness. The Immortal Man reunites him with Murphy, Sophie Rundle, and director Tom Harper, who helmed early episodes of the series. Harper expresses excitement about returning to the franchise, stating, "Peaky Blinders has exploded since what it was then, and to get the opportunity to come full circle and tell this chapter as a film is wonderful." New cast members like Tim Roth, Rebecca Ferguson, and Barry Keoghan join the film, reflecting the show's prestige.
Elevating Birmingham's Profile
Knight takes pride in reshaping Birmingham's image, both in the UK and internationally. "People from Birmingham tell me that when they go abroad and start speaking, people say 'Peaky Blinders' first, which is great!" he shares. He recalls telling his brother, "I'm going to try and make the Birmingham accent sexy," a challenge he believes Murphy has mastered. Knight aimed to make the accent "cool" rather than a joke, a goal he has achieved for the city as a whole.
Complex Characters and Moral Ambiguity
Tommy Shelby, though a villain who engages in violence and intimidation, remains beloved by audiences. Knight muses, "I always think of him as a good man doing bad things for a good reason, or at least a reason he believes is good. So as an audience, you can empathize with him." He highlights the show's exploration of trauma and violence, with Harper adding, "It's important if the drama can explore how people have broken and pass on that violence to others."
Research and Inspiration
Knight's research for Peaky Blinders, spanning from 1919 to the 1940s, draws heavily on family stories. He recounts his father's tale of delivering messages to the Peaky Blinders as a child, describing a scene of immaculately dressed men with razor blades and guns, drinking whisky from jam jars. "That, for me, is research," Knight says. He always intended to conclude this generation's story during World War II, aligning with Tommy's ongoing war struggles.
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is now streaming exclusively on Netflix, marking a new chapter in the iconic series' legacy.
