Peaky Blinders sequel adds returning cast and new stars

Production is underway on a new "Peaky Blinders" sequel series, with a major wave of casting announcements confirming returning characters and new rivals for the next generation of the Birmingham crime family. The series, set a decade after World War II in the 1950s, will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in the UK and on Netflix internationally.

The central story will follow Duke Shelby, played by Jamie Bell, who takes over the role from Barry Keoghan. His half-brother, Charles Shelby, will be portrayed by Charlie Heaton. According to a synopsis, Charles has embraced a normal life, having severed all ties to the gang and its hedonistic lifestyle, while Duke leads a new iteration of the Peaky Blinders. The brothers find themselves in a city described as full of both unprecedented opportunity and jeopardy, where the race to rebuild Birmingham has become a brutal contest.

Two fan-favorite characters from the original series are confirmed to return. Ned Dennehy will reprise his role as Charlie Strong and Packy Lee will return as Johnny Dogs. Both actors appeared in all six seasons of the original show and the recent film "Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man."