In a surprising revelation, Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight has disclosed that he almost included a monumental twist involving Tom Hardy's beloved character Alfie Solomons in the recent Netflix film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. The film, which has soared to the top of Netflix's charts, follows Tommy Shelby's return to Small Heath to confront his estranged son Duke, played by Barry Keoghan.
The Ghostly Concept That Never Was
Knight shared with the Hollywood Reporter that he contemplated a narrative where Alfie Solomons, the Jewish cockney crime lord portrayed by Hardy since the show's second season, was actually a ghost. This idea stemmed from the character's ambiguous fate after being shot in the head by Tommy Shelby on Margate beach in season four.
"I had an idea, which I haven't really spoken about," Knight explained. "Ever since he was shot on the beach at Margate, you've only ever seen Tommy and Alfie together alone." He considered revealing that Alfie's appearances in later seasons were merely apparitions, similar to Tommy's visions of his deceased first wife Grace.
Why the Twist Was Scrapped
Despite the creative potential, Knight ultimately decided against this ghostly reveal. One significant factor was Tom Hardy's demanding schedule; the actor has been busy filming the Paramount+ crime drama MobLand since Peaky Blinders concluded. Additionally, Knight felt the twist might not align with the film's narrative focus on Tommy's confrontation with his son.
Alfie Solomons' survival after the gunshot wound was already a fan-favourite moment, brought back due to Hardy's lobbying. Knight noted, "I thought, maybe [Alfie] appears, and we realise he's been dead all that time. Now, I nearly did that, and I didn't do it, but that was a thought."
Future Prospects for Peaky Blinders
Fans need not lose hope entirely. Knight confirmed that the Peaky Blinders universe will expand with at least two more series on Netflix and the BBC, set in post-World War II Birmingham. While Duke Shelby is slated to appear, it remains uncertain if Barry Keoghan will reprise the role.
"Some of the characters that are in [The Immortal Man] will appear in that," Knight teased. "But I'm under strict instructions not to talk about it except to say that it's happening." This leaves the door open for potential returns of other iconic characters, including Alfie Solomons, though Knight emphasized such a comeback would be unlikely.
Impact on the Fandom
The revelation has sparked discussions among fans, many of whom expressed disappointment over Hardy's absence in The Immortal Man. The film's success highlights the enduring appeal of the series, with viewers eagerly anticipating future installments. Knight's openness about the scrapped twist offers a glimpse into the creative process behind one of television's most gripping dramas.
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is currently available for streaming on Netflix, continuing the saga of the Shelby family's tumultuous rise and fall in the criminal underworld.
