Peaky Blinders movie first look as Stephen Graham seems ‘up to no good’

The streets of Birmingham have been transformed into a cinematic set as Peaky Blinders transitions from the small screen to the silver screen, with Stephen Graham pictured in first-look snaps on set.

The actor was seen filming in the city, just hours after co-star Cillian Murphy was there shooting his scenes.

Graham was pictured on set aboard a narrowboat, fully immersed in his role as union man Hayden Stagg as anticipation for the film ramps up.

Dressed in a brown trench coat with large buttons, Graham, 51, looked like he may have been up to no good as he steered the boat through Birmingham’s famous canals near the Tap and Spile pub. He also wore a dusky white shirt and black trousers.

The film crews had cordoned off the canal-side area, transforming it into a realistic, moody set for the movie. Parking restrictions were implemented on Sunday evening and are set to conclude at 6pm today (Tuesday, October 22) as Oblik Productions Ltd conducts filming in the vicinity.

The television series, which aired from 2013 to 2022, chronicled the ascension of the Shelby family following the First World War.

Graham joins a star-studded ensemble cast that includes fellow big names like Barry Keoghan, Rebecca Ferguson, and Tim Roth.

On Monday, Murphy, 48, was seen riding horseback through Cornwall Street, once again donning his character Tommy Shelby’s signature flat cap.

In dramatic scenes, the actor was spotted with fake blood on his cheek and his suit covered in mud. Between takes, he chatted with director Steven Knight, the creator of the original Peaky Blinders series.

Speaking about the highly-anticipated film, Knight recently said: “I’m thrilled to see the cameras rolling on this new chapter of the Peaky Blinders story, set during World War II. The country is at war, and so, of course, are our Peaky Blinders.”

Fans in Birmingham were thrilled by the filming and took to social media to share their thoughts.

Student and avid Peaky Blinders enthusiast Hayley Morris shared her excitement: “The film crews have tried to keep it all hush-hush but we all knew it was for Peaky Blinders. I’m so excited for the movie and hopefully we’ll get a glimpse of Cillian.”

She added, “It’s brilliant they are filming lots of it in Birmingham, as that’s where it’s all set. It can only be a good thing for the city. Peaky Blinders already brings us loads of tourists but now we have Hollywood stars here, it’s amazing,” reports Birmingham Live.

Barry Keoghan, fresh from his roles in Saltburn and The Banshees of Inisherin, was confirmed as part of the movie’s cast last month, although details about his character remain under wraps.

The Peaky Blinders series, which aired from 2013 to 2022, followed the rise of the Shelby family in post-World War One Birmingham.

The upcoming film, titled The Immortal Man, is expected to take place as the Shelby family faces the challenges of the Second World War.

As production unfolded, fans clamoured for a peek at the action, anticipating the movie’s debut on Netflix.

The drama series is loosely based on a real family-led gang who committed crimes in the English city from the 1880s to the 1920s. Meanwhile, the film, which will be directed by series regular Tom Harper, will take place during World War Two.

Harper said: “There’s a great feeling of anticipation and excitement amongst our outstanding cast and crew.

“We’re grateful to the fans for getting us to this point and believe this next chapter is going to deliver something extraordinary.”

Murphy also previously opened up about his enthusiasm for the new film, telling Netflix’s Tudum: “It seems like Tommy Shelby wasn’t finished with me.

An official release date for the film has not yet been confirmed, but the Peaky Blinders movie was greenlit earlier this year and, with production now underway, fans can hope for a release date that isn’t too far in the future.

Peaky Blinders is available to stream on Netflix and BBC iPlayer.