As anticipation builds for the upcoming Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, fans of the long-running crime drama are asking one major question: will Arthur Shelby appear in the film?
Arthur, played by Paul Anderson, has been one of the most important and emotionally complex characters throughout Peaky Blinders. However, as of early 2026, his return in the movie remains uncertain.
Arthur Shelby is the eldest of the Shelby brothers and serves as the fiercely loyal yet volatile right-hand man to Tommy Shelby, portrayed by Cillian Murphy.
Over six seasons of the series, Arthur became known for his intense personality, struggles with addiction, and unwavering devotion to his family. His character arc often balanced violence with vulnerability, making him a central figure in the show’s storytelling.
In the Peaky Blinders season six finale, Arthur appeared to find a form of redemption after enduring years of emotional turmoil. During a dramatic confrontation, he fought alongside Jeremiah and others in a violent showdown with Captain Swing’s forces.
Arthur ultimately killed Captain Swing, avenging the death of Aunt Polly. Despite this victory, the episode showed him still deeply affected by his past and personal struggles.
The final episode also revealed a major twist involving Tommy Shelby. Tommy believed he was dying from an inoperable brain tuberculoma, which led him to prepare for his death and say emotional farewells.
Later, it was revealed that the diagnosis had been fabricated as part of a scheme connected to Oswald Mosley, leaving the story open for continuation.
Because Tommy survives and leaves Birmingham behind, the door remains open for potential reunions with family members such as Arthur.
The new film, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, continues the story several years later. Set in Birmingham around 1940 during the early years of World War II, the movie follows Tommy Shelby as he returns from self-imposed exile to confront his past and face new threats.
According to the official synopsis, Tommy must deal with both personal demons and the changing world around him as war begins to reshape Britain.
Several familiar faces from the original series are confirmed to return. Alongside Murphy, Sophie Rundle will reprise her role as Ada Shelby. The film also introduces major new cast members including Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Roth, Barry Keoghan, and Stephen Graham.
Their involvement suggests the movie will expand the story beyond the Shelby family’s earlier criminal empire.
Despite these announcements, Arthur Shelby’s presence has not been officially confirmed. Reports circulating in 2024 and 2025 suggested that Paul Anderson might not return for the film due to personal and legal difficulties that reportedly affected his availability.
While these reports have not been fully detailed by the production team, they have contributed to speculation that Arthur may not appear in the final chapter.
In earlier interviews, Anderson himself said he would consider returning only if the script felt right. He noted that adapting a successful television series into a movie can be risky and that it would need to respect the legacy of the show.
For many fans, Arthur’s potential absence would mark a significant shift. The relationship between Tommy and Arthur has always been one of the emotional foundations of the series. Their bond, shaped by loyalty, trauma, and shared ambition, helped define the story of the Shelby family.
Until the full cast list is confirmed or the film is released, the question remains open. What is certain is that Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man aims to deliver the final chapter of Tommy Shelby’s story, and viewers around the world will be watching closely to see which familiar faces return for the last ride.
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