Peaky Blinders Series 7 Kicks Off Production in Birmingham with Lashana Lynch Joining Cast
Filming for the highly anticipated seventh series of Peaky Blinders has officially begun in Birmingham, marking the show's return with a new chapter that introduces actress Lashana Lynch to the iconic drama. The series, created by Steven Knight, will premiere on the BBC and Netflix, continuing the saga of the Shelby family into the 1950s, following the recent release of the film The Immortal Man.
Lashana Lynch Transforms for 1950s Era in First-Look Images
Lashana Lynch, aged 38, was spotted on the streets of Birmingham as production commenced, with first-look pictures revealing her in a full 1950s period outfit. She wore an all-brown ensemble paired with a green hat and leather bag, clutching papers to her chest while walking alongside other actors dressed in suits and carrying briefcases. This visual transformation hints at the show's leap forward in time from the 1930s setting of series six and the World War II era of the film.
New Series to Explore Post-War Birmingham and Teddy Boy Gangs
The upcoming series is set to delve into the 1950s, a period characterized by violent Teddy Boy gangs and the rise of notorious figures like the Kray twins in London. Steven Knight expressed excitement about the return, stating, 'I’m thrilled to be announcing this new chapter in the Peaky Blinders story. Once again it will be rooted in Birmingham and will tell the story of a city rising from the ashes of the Birmingham blitz. The new generation of Shelbys have taken the wheel and it will be a hell of a ride.' This shift follows the film's storyline, which saw Cillian Murphy reprise his role as Thomas Shelby in a 1940s narrative.
Real-Life Inspirations Behind the Fictional Drama
Peaky Blinders has always drawn inspiration from real historical events and figures in Birmingham. Genealogy site Ancestry has uncovered newspaper clippings that reveal the term 'Peaky Blinders' originally referred to a group of violent youths, not a single crime dynasty. Key real-life inspirations include:
- William ‘Billy’ Kimber: A leader of the Birmingham Boys gang, portrayed by Charlie Creed-Miles in the series.
- Laura Annie Collins: A female Peaky Blinder who attacked a police constable with a hairpin in 1904.
- Alfred Solomon: The real Jewish gang leader who inspired Tom Hardy's character Alfie Solomons, listed as a fruiterer in official records.
Simon Pearce, a Family History Expert at Ancestry, noted, 'Peaky Blinders has captivated audiences with its gritty stories of rivalry and gang loyalty on the streets of Birmingham. Ancestry's real-life discoveries show just how closely the city’s history aligns with the drama on screen.'
Future of the Shelby Legacy and Character Returns
While the sixth series was initially intended to be the finale, Steven Knight's passion for the story led to its continuation. Cillian Murphy may return in a father figure role to younger gangsters, similar to Helen McCrory's portrayal of Polly Gray. The film The Immortal Man, now streaming on Netflix, sets the stage for this new era, with Tommy Shelby facing his past during World War II. As filming progresses, fans can expect a dramatic exploration of post-war Britain, blending historical authenticity with the show's signature storytelling.
