"I'm not God. Not yet": I wonder how this Tommy Shelby line from Peaky Blinders might materialize in the upcoming sequel film

It's been three years since we saw Cillian Murphy's Tommy Shelby ride away on his horse in the finale of BBC crime drama series Peaky Blinders. But the Birmingham leader will rise once again in the upcoming feature film, The Immortal Man.

While creator Steven Knight, Murphy, and the cast of the upcoming Peaky Blinders sequel film have been tight-lipped about the movie's plot, one cannot help but wonder how Tommy Shelby's story will come to a conclusion. How do you conclude an anti-hero's arc who is also the protagonist of his own story?

While many TV shows might conclude their gangster stories by killing off their protagonists in the end, the title of the sequel film gives me hope. Also, Tommy Shelby is not just a gangster. He underwent significant changes after Season 3, following Grace's death. Not only did he actively try to leave his violent past behind, he also entered the world of politics.

Thinking about the upcoming movie, I am reminded of Tommy's quote from Season 5 Episode 1 and how will it play in the final chapter of his life:

"I'm not God. Not yet"

More on the Peaky Blinders movie in our story.

*Disclaimer- This article is based on the author's opinion. Reader discretion is advised.*

I think Tommy Shelby will rise from the ashes and take down fascism in the Peaky Blinders feature film

While Tommy Shelby riding on a white horse in the Peaky Blinders Season 6 finale seemed definitive, that was not the last we saw of the gangster. Tommy will rise again in The Immortal Man, a Peaky Blinders sequel movie.

Since the movie's announcement and Knight confirming that it will be set in World War II, I am reminded of this quote from Tommy Shelby in Season 5. This is not only one of the most iconic Tommy quotes from the show, but I wonder if Knight will bank on this in the sequel film.

While the movie will feature a time jump, I think Tommy was determined to live a life away from violence when he rode away. Banking on this idea, Tommy could decide not to go back to the real world and live in isolation, close to his gypsy roots. But as old habits die hard, he will soon be pulled back to the world of violence as WWII approaches.

Quoting Nick Cave's Red Right Hand lyrics, which is Tommy's theme song in Peaky Blinders is pretty accurate here:

''He’ll appear out of nowhere but he ain’t what he seems''

Since Oswald Mosley was still very much a threat and alive in the Season 6 finale, I think the best course of action for the show to give Tommy a redemption arc is by bringing him back into action. Mosley, a real-life figure, who was aligned with British fascism and Nazism would be a threat to The Crown.

Tommy has worked closely with Winston Churchill once and I think The Crown could demand gangster's services once more to invade the Nazi army out of a war-torn Britain.

I think The Immortal Man might deliver on Tommy's redemption arc

When I think about Tommy's Season 5 quote, I cannot help but wonder if he might play a pivotal role in WWII in the upcoming movie. Tommy taking down Mosley while serving his country through intelligence might just be the redemption arc our protagonist needs that will elevate him to a Godly status.

Tommy served in France in WWI and still dealt with war PTSD throughout the show. He might serve and have a crucial role in WWII too, but this time through his mind. Tommy, presumed dead by Mosley, can work from the shadows (almost like an omnipresent Godly figure) and take down the fascist.

Again, quoting Nick Cave's Red Right Hand lyrics:

''He’ll reach deep into the hole, heal your shrinking soul. He’s a ghost, he’s a god, he’s a man, he’s a guru. They’re whispering his name across this disappearing land.''

A man who had sought every criminal means to achieve social mobility for himself finally performs a selfless act of kindness for his country and people. This way, Tommy Shelby might attain the Godly status he denied having in Season 5.

A man who might employ cruel ways to take down his enemies but is a passionate and loving figure for his close ones.

The Peaky Blinders sequel movie might see Tommy retiring from business and the ways of the world after fulfilling his redemption, but how long till his next adventure awaits?

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