7 most shocking facts about Peaky Blinders that only true fanatics would know

Peaky Blinders evolved from a Birmingham-based English murder drama to a worldwide fantasy blending classic characters, fashion, and history. Viewers watched Tommy Shelby and his family navigate wars, treason, and machinations. The series astonished audiences not only with the narrative but also with the surprising facts behind the story. Some elements were derived from the set, while others were taken directly from history.

From surprising casting announcements to interesting filming facts, these insights make the series all the more intriguing. Knowing these secrets enhances the experience for devoted fans and explains why Peaky Blinders has become such a global phenomenon.

Disclaimer: This article contains the writer's opinion. Reader's discretion is advised.

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Here goes the 7 most shocking facts about Peaky Blinders that only true fanatics would know:

7. The story isn't over - A movie is likely coming

One of the most shocking facts about Peaky Blinders is that the story is not complete. Although season six of the show ended in 2022, its creator, Steven Knight, promised viewers that a feature film, The Immortal Man, would follow. The film will be set during World War II and will pick up where the series left off with Tommy Shelby. Knight revealed that the movie is not just an additional episode but a full story with its own standing while also concluding dangling plot threads. Check out a post on the Instagram "pubity" page.

Cillian Murphy has committed to reprising his role as Tommy Shelby, and principal photography was set to begin in late 2024. Some new stars, including Barry Keoghan, Tim Roth, and Rebecca Ferguson, are also expected to join. The series finale seemed to wrap up the plot, leaving fans in disbelief, but Knight revealed that the Shelbys still had more history to explore. For ardent Peaky Blinders fans, this is a fantastic chance to continue following the family’s story.

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6. David Bowie & Snoop Dogg were hardcore fans

Another surprising fact is that the series had fans in unexpected places. David Bowie, one of the world’s most influential musicians, was an avid viewer. He appreciated the series so much that he even sent Cillian Murphy, before his passing, a photo of himself wearing a cap with razor blades. The series also featured Bowie’s song Lazarus during season three as an ode. Meanwhile, Snoop Dogg expressed his affection for the show as well.

The rapper visited London, spent hours discussing the series’ gang culture, and said it reminded him of his early days in America. He even created a version of the Peaky Blinders theme song, Red Right Hand. Fans were surprised to learn that such international celebrities connected so strongly with the Shelby series. These facts indicate the show was admired by cultural icons worldwide, not just in the UK.

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5. Real-life sibbling duo: Joe & Finn Cole

One of the most surprising facts about Peaky Blinders is the actual family relationship between two actors. Tommy’s brother, John Shelby, a key member of the gang, was portrayed by Joe Cole. Later in the series, Michael Gray, the son of Polly Gray, was played by Finn Cole. Casual viewers might not know that Joe and Finn are real-life brothers. Their genuine familial connection gave their on-screen relationship a realistic, organic feel, enhancing their performances.

Joe Cole was established on the series before Finn Cole, but it was Joe who secured the audition for Finn, which altered the course of his career. This fact is surprising because it means the story of the Shelby family was, in part, portrayed by an actual family. Fans often admire this casting detail even more after learning the secret.

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4. Show influenced baby names & has an airport bar

Peaky Blinders not only transformed television but also impacted daily life. Once the series became an international phenomenon, parents in the UK started naming their children after the series. The name Arthur, inspired by Arthur Shelby, became one of the most popular boy names. The name Ada, after Ada Shelby, also gained popularity for girls. This cultural phenomenon reflects how deeply the Shelbys resonated with audiences.

Birmingham Airport opened an official themed restaurant and bar named Shelby & Co., designed to evoke the world portrayed in the series. Décor, dishes, and drinks all drew inspiration from the show’s atmosphere. This fact is shocking because it demonstrates how a historical crime drama can influence contemporary culture, from naming children to shaping travel experiences.

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3. Real Peaky Blinders existed?

Fans enjoy discovering that the Peaky Blinders were not entirely fictional. Birmingham had a gang in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. They dressed in the latest fashions: smart suits, flat caps, and highly polished shoes. There is a myth that the name referred to hiding razor blades in the hat, but historians explain that razor blades were scarce and expensive at the time.

Historians believe the name referred to the term “blinder,” meaning someone fashionable. As depicted in the television series, Tommy Shelby and the fearsome gang did not exist. There were actual robberies, street brawls, and betting cons. They were soon overtaken by larger, stronger gangs called the Birmingham Boys. However, the Peaky Blinders’ legacy made a mark on history, and Steven Knight was able to create a concept that effectively blends fiction and reality.

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2. Murphy smoked - 3000 herbal cigarettes per season

Another shocking fact about filming Peaky Blinders was the number of cigarettes necessary. Cillian Murphy described how he smoked approximately 3,000 herbal cigarettes during the course of each season. There was no nicotine or tobacco in the cigarettes, but they weren’t exactly lightweights. They contained rose, clover, and chamomile herbs, which gave off a different smell and taste from real cigarettes. The smoke became part of Tommy Shelby’s appearance and personality.

Almost every major scene shows him with a cigarette, generating a serene yet threatening image that complemented the show’s theme. Murphy admitted it was hard to smoke so extensively, even though the cigarettes contained herbs. All the smoke dried his throat, and occasionally, he would get a headache. Filming Peaky Blinders involved careful planning, creating a raw and authentic experience for viewers.

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1. Jason Statham nearly played Tommy

One of the most shocking facts about Peaky Blinders is that Cillian Murphy was not the initial choice for Tommy Shelby. The TV show creator, Steven Knight, had previously considered Jason Statham for the role. Statham had the appropriate face and physical presence to seem like a formidable and feared crime lord. Murphy felt he could convey a different type of power—quieter but dangerous in its own right. Before the casting was finalized, Murphy wrote Knight the following note:

"Remember, I am an actor."

This small note convinced Knight that Murphy could transform himself into Tommy Shelby. Knight later remarked that Statham knows the business of playing himself, but Murphy brought the ability to fully embody the part. This casting altered the course of TV history. Murphy’s quiet voice, piercing eyes, and calm authority became the very heart and soul of Peaky Blinders. Fans can no longer imagine anyone else playing Tommy Shelby.

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Peaky Blinders ended as one of the most talked-about dramas of its time. The shocking facts behind the show revealed hidden truths that astounded even long-time fans. Viewers learned that the Shelbys were inspired by real gangs, that Cillian Murphy smoked thousands of herbal cigarettes, and that he almost lost the role of Tommy Shelby to Jason Statham. Cultural icons loved the series, and family bonds shaped the cast. The show had an impact on everyday life, influencing names and places. Looking back, Peaky Blinders left more than a story—it created a lasting legacy.