Peaky Blinders sequel brings back 2 original stars and casts a Game of Thrones star as its new villain
The Peaky Blinders sequel is bulking up its cast, bringing back two original stars and casting a Game of Thrones alum as the villain, with an All Her Fault standout also joining the fray.
If you thought the Peaky Blinders saga was done and dusted, think again. The next chapter is well underway, and a handful of familiar faces—plus a fresh batch of heavy hitters—have signed on. If you’re keen on your British crime dramas and enjoy a bit of gangster family infighting, there’s a fair amount here to get excited about (and perhaps raise an eyebrow or two).
New Faces Step Into the Birmingham Fray
This untitled Peaky Blinders sequel is picking up the story in post-World War II Birmingham, roughly a decade after the dust settled from Hitler’s carnage. The city’s next cycle of rival gangs are apparently as keen on a turf war as ever, so there’s no chance of peace and quiet for the locals.
The casting department has been busy—here’s the notable batch of actors just announced to be joining:
- Conleth Hill (the man forever known as Varys from Game of Thrones) is swapping his secret-spilling for a turn as Clemmy Keeler, described as the "fierce patriarch" of the Keeler gang—set up to be new enemies for the Shelbys.
- Cal O'Driscoll will play Aidan Keeler, Clemmy's son, presumably causing even more trouble.
- Daniel Monks is stepping into the shoes of Detective Inspector Bell—every Brummie gangster series needs their copper, after all. Trivia for fellow Thrones obsessives: he appeared as Ser Manfred Dondarrion in 'A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms' spin-off.
- Samuel Bottomley, Arturo Muselli, Eugene Collins, and Lucie Shorthouse also join the ensemble. The details of their characters haven’t escaped the production office yet.
Conleth Hill is hardly a stranger to British telly, beyond Thrones you may have caught him in 'The Sheep Detectives', '3 Body Problem', and 'Derry Girls'.
Some Old Blinders Back for More
If continuity is your sort of thing, rejoice: two original cast members are sticking around. Ned Dennehy returns as Charlie Strong, and Packy Lee is back as perennial wildcard Johnny Dogs. There’s at least some thread tying this new saga to the original madcap run.
Returning Blood, Fresh Blood
Previous casting news still stands: Charlie Heaton (yes, that’s Jonathan from Stranger Things) takes up the role of Charles Shelby, son of Tommy. And Jamie Bell is playing Duke Shelby. Add to that the already revealed Jessica Brown Findlay, Lashana Lynch, and Lucy Karczewski, and there’s enough talent here to keep both Blinders die-hards and boxset bingers satisfied.
The Brains Behind the Operation
Steven Knight, the show’s original creator and the man behind almost every moody Brummie monologue, is writing once again. Production falls to Banijay UK's Kudos and Garrison Drama. Mike Barker and Anna Zackrisson will take up directing duties, with Tim Whitby producing. Cillian Murphy—yes, the Tommy Shelby—will be serving as executive producer, though there’s no word on whether he’s actually showing up on-screen.
The cameras are currently rolling at Digbeth Loc. Studios in Birmingham. The new series is confirmed to run for at least two seasons, each reportedly clocking in at six episodes.
Where and When to Watch
British viewers will find the show on BBC iPlayer and BBC One; the rest of the world gets it on Netflix, so no need to dig out a dodgy VPN. An exact air date is still under wraps.