Cillian Murphy shoots canal boat scenes as Tommy Shelby in freezing conditions as work continues on the set of Peaky Blinders film The Immortal Man

Cillian Murphy returned to the Dudley canals on Wednesday as filming began for the upcoming feature-length edition of Peaky Blinders.

The BBC’s hugely popular crime drama, set in Birmingham during the city’s industrial revolution at the turn of the 20th century, will end its run with six series in 2022.

But since then, plans have been underway for a film version of writer Steven Knight’s show, with principal photography set to begin in September.

When cast and crew returned to the Midlands on Wednesday, they appeared to be unaffected by freezing temperatures as they filmed a canal scene with Murphy – who reprises his role as criminal leader Tommy Shelby.

The Irish actor was dressed in Shelby’s signature overcoat and Baker Boy cap as cameras rolled during an on-location shoot at Dudley Canal in Bumble Hole and Warrens Hall Nature Reserve in Netherton.

Cast and crew appeared unaffected by freezing temperatures as they filmed a canal scene with Murphy, who reprises his role as criminal kingpin Tommy Shelby

The upcoming film, titled The Immortal Man, will also star newcomers Tim Roth, Rebecca Ferguson and Barry Keoghan.

In June, it was confirmed that the original Peaky Blinders writing and directing team would return alongside Murphy for a Netflix film adaptation of the hit series.

The streaming service confirmed the news on

“It’s very satisfying to be working with Steven Knight and Tom Harper again on the film version of Peaky Blinders. This is one for the fans.”

Director Tom says: ‘When I first directed Peaky Blinders over a decade ago, we didn’t know what the series would become, but we knew there was something in the alchemy of the cast and writing that felt explosive.

“Peaky has always been a story about family – which is why it is incredibly exciting to be reunited with Steve and Cillian to bring the film on Netflix to audiences around the world.”

Peaky Blinders launched in 2013 and attracted huge audiences both in the UK and abroad, landing roles for silver screen stars such as Tom Hardy and Anya Taylor-Joy.

The program is loosely based on a real-life Birmingham gang of the same name, operating between 1880 and 1920, who took part in similar illegal activities.

The Irish actor was dressed in Shelby’s signature overcoat and Baker Boy cap as cameras rolled during an on-location shoot at Dudley Canal in Bumble Hole and Warrens Hall Nature Reserve

He was surrounded by crew members as he walked across the canal between takes on Wednesday

In June, it was confirmed that the original Peaky Blinders writing and directing team would return alongside Murphy for a Netflix film adaptation of the hit series.

Snow lashed Dudley Canal as the Peaky Blinders production team got to work on Wednesday

The hugely popular BBC crime drama, set in Birmingham during the city’s industrial revolution at the turn of the 20th century, ended its six series in 2022

Steam and smoke billowed from the water, creating the grimy industrial atmosphere made famous in the hit show

Peaky Blinders aired six series in nine years and ended with Tommy, led to believe he had a terminal illness, surviving an assassination attempt orchestrated by his own cousin before killing him and moving for a new life.

In recent months, off-screen concerns have arisen about the well-being of Paul Anderson, who plays Tommy’s older brother Arthur Shelby, after he pleaded guilty to possession of crack cocaine earlier this year.

The 46-year-old was also found to be in possession of amphetamines, diazepam and pregabalin.

The Immortal Man has not yet been given an official release date.

Peaky Blinders aired six series in nine years and ended with Tommy, led to believe he had a terminal illness, surviving an assassination attempt orchestrated by his own cousin.