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Peaky Blinders became one of the most iconic British TV dramas of the 21st century. With sharp suits, brutal violence, and the unforgettable Thomas Shelby at its center, the show drew millions of fans around the world. But were the Peaky Blinders real? And is there a future for the series after season 6? In this article, we explore the true history behind the gang and the exciting new projects that fans can expect in the coming years.
Did the Peaky Blinders Really Exist?
Yes, the Peaky Blinders were a real street gang based in Birmingham, England. They operated from the 1880s to the early 1910s, much earlier than the TV show’s setting, which begins in 1919, just after World War I. The real gang consisted of working-class men involved in street fights, robberies, extortion, and illegal betting.
While the show’s portrayal of the gang as a powerful post-war organization is fictional, the Peaky Blinders were infamous in their time for their sharp fashion and aggressive tactics. They wore flat caps, suits, and long coats, and their name is thought to come from the peaked caps (“peaky”) and the local slang “blinder,” meaning someone who looks stylish.
The Razor Blade Myth
One of the most famous elements of the show is the myth that the gang sewed razor blades into their hats to blind enemies in fights. While this adds drama to the series, there is no historical evidence to support the idea. Razor blades were luxury items at the time and would have been far too expensive for street-level criminals.
Historians agree that the name Peaky Blinders more likely refers to their fashionable appearance than any hidden weaponry.
Real Members and Rival Gangs
Historical figures like Thomas Gilbert, also known as Kevin Mooney, were among the most well-known members of the real gang. However, their influence was limited, and by the 1920s, they were overtaken by more powerful criminal organizations like the Birmingham Boys, led by Billy Kimber—who also appears in the first season of the show.
Unlike the Shelby family, the real gang did not run complex businesses, engage in politics, or form international alliances. Most of their activities were limited to local crime and turf wars.
Peaky Blinders Season 7 Is It Happening?
Although season 6 was originally announced as the final season of Peaky Blinders, exciting news has emerged. As of early 2025, it has been confirmed that Season 7 is in development and is expected to start filming in September 2025, with a release date projected for 2026.
This new season will jump forward in time to the 1950s, exploring new political and cultural dynamics in post-war Britain. While not all original cast members are expected to return, Cillian Murphy is rumored to reprise his role as Tommy Shelby.
The new episodes will air on BBC One in the UK and will stream on Netflix internationally.
The Peaky Blinders Movie The Immortal Man
In addition to Season 7, fans can also look forward to the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie, officially titled The Immortal Man. This Netflix-exclusive film will explore the role of Tommy Shelby during World War II, offering a darker, more intense chapter in the franchise.
Set to release in late 2025 or early 2026, the film will feature Cillian Murphy in the lead role, alongside several returning cast members. According to series creator Steven Knight, the movie will serve as both a continuation and a conclusion, tying up major story arcs while introducing new characters and conflicts.
Fiction vs Reality Where the Series Took Liberties
The series takes major creative liberties with the real history of the Peaky Blinders. In reality, they were a small, disorganized gang, while in the show, they become a powerful and feared criminal empire. The political connections, the deals with the IRA, and interactions with historical figures like Oswald Mosley are all fictional.
That said, the show does capture the social atmosphere of the time: poverty, unemployment, class struggle, and the lingering trauma of war. This blend of historical realism and dramatic storytelling is part of what made the series so compelling.
Legacy and Cultural Impact
Thanks to the series, the legacy of the Peaky Blinders has been completely transformed. From a small gang of street criminals, they’ve become global pop culture icons. The show has inspired fashion lines, themed bars, video games, and even tourism in Birmingham.
With a new season and movie on the way, the world of Peaky Blinders is far from over. Fans new and old will soon get the chance to dive even deeper into the dark, stylish, and violent world of the Shelbys.
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