Alfie Solomon’s a Ghost? Steven Knight Reveals the Shocker He Cut from “The Immortal Man”
Fans of the Peaky Blinders universe have been dissecting every frame of the newly released Netflix film, The Immortal Man. However, the biggest talking point isn’t what’s on screen—it’s what almost was. Creator Steven Knight has officially confirmed a dark, supernatural twist involving Tom Hardy’s fan-favorite character, Alfie Solomon’s, that would have redefined the entire series.
The “Dead All Along” Theory
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Knight admitted he nearly pulled the trigger on a theory many fans had suspected since Season 5. After Alfie Solomon’s was shot on the beach at Margate in the Season 4 finale, Knight considered revealing that the character had actually died that day.
“I thought, ‘Maybe he appears, and we realize he’s been dead all that time,’” Knight teased. He pointed out a specific detail that would have made the twist work: ever since the shooting, Alfie is almost exclusively seen alone with Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby. Ultimately, Knight decided against the “ghost” reveal, leaving Alfie out of the movie entirely to focus on Tommy’s internal journey.
The Absence of Arthur Shelby
Alfie wasn’t the only notable absentee. Many viewers were shocked to learn that Arthur Shelby (Paul Anderson) was killed off-screen by Tommy before the events of the movie began.
While Anderson has faced well-documented legal and personal challenges recently, Knight insisted that the decision to exclude Arthur was strictly narrative. “The story determines the cast,” Knight explained. “I knew Tommy needed to have done something he couldn’t forgive himself for. Therefore, the plot went in that direction.”
Streaming Now: “The Immortal Man”
Despite the missing faces, The Immortal Man continues to dominate the global Netflix charts. The film serves as a gritty conclusion to Tommy Shelby’s saga, forcing the character to face the consequences of his past—including the off-screen fate of his own brother.