Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man Explains Arthur Shelby's Absence
The highly anticipated Netflix film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man marks the return of the Shelby family, but fans quickly noticed a significant absence: Paul Anderson's character, Arthur Shelby. This follow-up movie delves into Tommy Shelby's redemption arc, portrayed by Cillian Murphy, as he confronts his past demons following a tragic event.
Why Paul Anderson Is Not in the Film
Paul Anderson, who played Arthur Shelby in all six series of the show, was one of only three actors to appear in every episode, alongside Cillian Murphy and Sophie Rundle. In The Immortal Man, Arthur's fate is revealed early on, with his name inscribed on a gravestone in a dilapidated mansion where Tommy resides. Creator Steven Knight explained to The Hollywood Reporter that the story dictated the cast, and Arthur was written out to serve Tommy's narrative of guilt and redemption.
Anderson himself commented on his absence to LADbible, stating, "Well, what can you do eh? It is how it is. I thought I'd just leave them to it. I think it's great. I [wasn't] very nice to people in it [the series]. But people loved me." Knight praised Anderson as a fantastic actor but emphasized that the plot required Tommy to have done something unforgivable, leading to Arthur's exclusion.
Arthur Shelby's Fate Unveiled
The film explores Tommy's seclusion and torment, including frequent visits to Arthur's grave. Initially, it is suggested that Arthur died by suicide, but a flashback later reveals the truth. Tommy confesses to murdering his brother in a drunken fit of anger during a car scuffle, strangling him and immediately regretting his actions. This revelation adds depth to Tommy's redemption journey, as he grapples with this hidden secret from the events between the series and the film.
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man also features Barry Keoghan as Tommy's son, Duke Shelby, focusing on their strained relationship as Duke heads down a dangerous path. The movie is now available for streaming on Netflix, offering fans a conclusive look at the Shelby family's legacy.
