Released on March 20, 2026, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal is already dominating the charts worldwide. But beyond the cinematic grit of World War II, Steven Knight’s latest masterpiece anchors itself in a startling historical reality. From Nazi counterfeiting plots to the real-life bombings of Birmingham, we dive into the true history that brought Tommy Shelby back to our screens.
Operation Bernhard: The Nazi Plot to Ruin Britain
Currently sitting at number 2 in the Top 10, the film’s central intrigue revolves around a high-stakes Nazi conspiracy. This plot, known as Operation Bernhard, was a genuine historical mission launched in the 1940s. Its objective was as simple as it was devastating: produce massive quantities of counterfeit British banknotes within the Sachsenhausen concentration camp to crash the United Kingdom’s economy.
The historical facts behind the fiction are chilling:
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Intelligence Funding: Nazi Germany used these forged notes to pay spies and purchase critical supplies, including gold.
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Economic Warfare: The ultimate goal was to trigger hyperinflation and ruin British credit.
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Timeline: The operation briefly ceased in early 1942 before being aggressively resumed later that year.
Why Steven Knight Uses History as a “Springboard”
For creator Steven Knight, integrating Operation Bernhard into the plot of The Immortal was a deliberate creative choice. During a recent Reddit AMA, the screenwriter explained his fascination with the past. “I tend to use historical events as springboards,” Knight revealed. “It gives a purpose to the characters and the action. I find real events and true history much more surreal and improbable than anything I could ever invent.”
While the Shelby family themselves did not participate in the real Operation Bernhard, the film uses it to drive a deeply personal narrative: the recruitment of Duke (Barry Keoghan) by the Nazis, forcing Tommy Shelby out of the shadows to save his eldest son.
The Bombing of Birmingham: A Personal Connection
The film’s historical accuracy extends to the very first frames, featuring the brutal bombardment of the Small Arms Company factory in Birmingham. This wasn’t just a dramatic set piece; it was a tragic reality that occurred nearly 90 years ago. On November 19, 1940, the German Luftwaffe attacked the weapons manufacturer, leaving 53 dead and scores injured.
This scene holds a profound personal significance for Steven Knight:
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Family History: Knight’s own mother worked at that very factory during the war.
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A Brush with Death: On the day of the attack, she stayed home to care for a sick child, narrowly escaping the carnage that claimed the lives of her colleagues.
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal proves once again that the most compelling fiction is often rooted in the scars of the past. By weaving the Shelby legacy into the fabric of World War II, Knight has created a story that is as educational as it is explosive. Does knowing the true story of the Birmingham bombings change how you view Tommy’s return?
