Peaky Blinders creator explains why Paul Anderson isn't in new movie

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man.

Several beloved Peaky Blinders characters are missing from The Immortal Man, but the most notably absent is Arthur Shelby.

Paul Anderson’s beloved character is arguably the second most prominent in the entire TV series behind Tommy, but Anderson is completely absent from the film and Arthur is killed off screen.

Whilst fans were mostly devastated on Anderson’s behalf, particularly over the fact that Tommy was the one to do it, the actor himself actually told LADbible in an exclusive interview that he thought the twist was ‘great’ saying: “I mean, it’s such a powerful thing to do. It’s something you don’t see on TV.”

The actor who plays the eldest Shelby brother followed this up with a post on Instagram encouraging everyone to watch the film, but many fans are still furious about his exclusion from The Immortal Man.

The film sees Tommy in self imposed exile following the death of his brother Arthur, with the movie revealing he killed him (BBC)

Series creator Steven Knight has now spoken to The Hollywood Reporter and explained why Arthur Shelby had to die in the film and spoke about Paul Anderson not appearing in the series.

Arthur is strangled to death by Tommy in a rage after he is found to have stolen from his brother to fuel his opioid addiction.

Speaking about his absence from the movie, Steven Knight told THR: “What I’ll say is that the story determines the cast, and the story was set.

“I knew that Tommy needed to have done something that he couldn’t forgive himself for.”

He went on to add: “Therefore, that’s why the plot went in that particular direction. But in terms of Paul, all I’ll say is that he’s a fantastic actor.”

Steven Knight created the series and wrote the film (Netflix)

This isn’t the only time the writer has defended the plot point, previously telling the official Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man podcast: “Everything that Tommy has ever stood for is family. And here he is, he shot his own brother. Everything falls apart after that.

“There is nothing left because everything you’ve ever stood for, everything you’ve represented, has gone. Tommy Shelby killed his everything all at once."

Previous reports have claimed Anderson’s absence was in part influenced by his legal troubles, with the actor having been arrested in January of 2024.

Anderson was arrested after a north London pubgoer smelled crack cocaine coming from the disabled toilet. They alerted the manager, who then called the police.

Highbury Magistrates' Court heard that Anderson was found to be 'intoxicated' when police arrived at the scene. They discovered crack cocaine and a brown powder found to be amphetamines, plus diazepam and pregabalin on his person. He tested positive for opiates and cocaine, but not crack cocaine.

Andrson was found guilty of possessing class A crack cocaine, class B amphetamines and two class C prescription substances. His lawyer said in mitigation that Anderson did not smoke the crack cocaine.

As reported by the Guardian, the lawyer told the court: "You will recognise the defendant from a very intense part that he has played in a recent television programme. He is often recognised and does his best to please fans of the show by slipping into character.

"He was recognised that Boxing Day and tried to play up for these people. And because of the lifestyle he leads, people often give him inducements.

"He has found himself in an unfortunate position and should have had the strength to say no."

Anderson told LADbible he thinks Arthur's end in the film is 'great'. (BBC)

In an Instagram post in February of 2024, he addressed photos that led his fans to become concerned for his health.

"I also want to take time to thank each and every one of you all over the world for all the messages of love and support, I see you and appreciate it humbly and sincerely," he said.

“Always remember nobody cares about the truth when the lie is way more entertaining than the truth. I am back don’t you worry about that.”

Anderson posted his support for the Peaky Blinders movie on Instagram, specifically praising Steven Knight, saying: “Steven Knight…a true visionary, someone I have infinite respect for. None of this exists without him.

"The world, the characters, everything you’ve connected with… it all came from that vision and trust me when it I say it continues… Now it moves forward with The Immortal Man, out globally on Netflix today.

"This is the next chapter, and it’s a big one. Get behind it. Watch it. Be part of it like you always have. The Shelby legacy is eternal. Arthur is forever."