Peaky Blinders Creator Defends Controversial Twist in New Film.
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man has only just landed on Netflix after its recent cinema release, but it’s already sparked intense debate among fans — largely due to one shocking revelation involving a beloved character.
Cillian Murphy returns as the iconic Tommy Shelby, joined by new cast members including Barry Keoghan as Duke and Rebecca Ferguson as Romany Kaulo Chiriklo. While familiar faces like Sophie Rundle reprise their roles, one major absence stands out: Paul Anderson’s Arthur Shelby.
And the truth behind Arthur’s disappearance is far darker than many viewers expected.
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— Peaky Blinders (@ThePeakyBlinder) March 11, 2026
A Tragic Fate for Arthur Shelby
Early in the film, it’s revealed that Arthur is dead. At first, the implication is that he may have taken his own life — a tragic but plausible outcome given his long struggle with addiction and trauma.
However, the film later unveils a devastating twist: Tommy Shelby himself killed Arthur.
The death occurred during a drunken altercation after Arthur stole Tommy’s car. Tommy insists it was an accident, but the guilt consumes him. Speaking on Netflix’s Immortal Man podcast, Murphy explained:
“He will never, ever be at peace until he’s no longer on this world because of that.”
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Steven Knight: “I avoided saying it for so long”
Series creator Steven Knight acknowledged that the reveal has divided fans, but he stands firmly behind the decision. According to Knight, the twist wasn’t part of the original plan — it emerged naturally as he continued writing Tommy’s story.
“Sometimes something occurs to you that explains what you’ve been writing,” Knight said. “I was writing this intense guilt. And then you think, ‘Well, that’s why he’s so guilty. Because it was him.’”
Knight admitted he had been “avoiding” confirming this outcome for years, but ultimately felt it was the most honest direction for the character.
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Paul Anderson Supports the Decision
Despite Arthur’s grim fate, Paul Anderson has no complaints. The actor revealed that Knight personally informed him of the storyline, and he fully supports the creative choice.
“Well, what can you do, eh? It is how it is. I thought I’d just leave them to it,” Anderson told LADbible.
He even praised the boldness of the twist:
“I think it’s great. I mean, it’s such a powerful thing to do. It’s something you don’t see on TV.”
A Divisive but Unforgettable Moment
Fans remain split — some argue Tommy would never harm Arthur, while others see the twist as a daring and emotionally rich development. Regardless of opinion, the reveal has undeniably reignited global conversation around the Shelby family saga.
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is now streaming on Netflix.