Peaky Blinders' Paul Anderson’s next moves key to Netflix franchise

Few characters in television history have left an impression as deep as Arthur Shelby, and that’s largely due to Paul Anderson’s electrifying performance in Peaky Blinders.

As the eldest Shelby brother, Arthur is the soul of the series, balancing explosive aggression with unwavering loyalty—a volatile mix that has gripped audiences since 2013.

With the announcement of the highly anticipated Peaky Blinders movie, fans are desperate to know: Is Arthur Shelby coming back?

Arthur Shelby: The Beating Heart of Peaky Blinders

Arthur Shelby isn’t just another supporting character—he’s integral to the Shelby family dynamic. His journey, marked by wartime trauma, violent outbursts, and moments of raw vulnerability, has been one of the most compelling arcs in the show. His chemistry with Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby brings an irreplaceable emotional weight to the series.

Social media has been ablaze with speculation, with thousands of comments from fans insisting that a Peaky Blinders movie without Arthur just wouldn’t feel right.

That uncertainty only fuels the anticipation, and with Steven Knight and the original creative team steering the project, fans remain hopeful that Arthur’s story isn’t over yet.

Paul Anderson’s Hollywood leap: The Gray House

What is confirmed, however, is that Paul Anderson is set to star as the main antagonist in The Gray House, a high-profile historical drama from Paramount Pictures. The series, backed by Hollywood heavyweights Morgan Freeman and Kevin Costner, tells the story of Southern women who became spies for the Union during the American Civil War.

Anderson’s role sees him stepping into the shoes of a ruthless Confederate officer, a significant departure from Arthur Shelby but one that showcases his range and intensity.

Given Freeman and Costner’s involvement as producers, the series is expected to be one of the studio’s biggest releases, solidifying Anderson’s growing presence in Hollywood.

From the screen to the ring: Anderson’s ties to boxing and Saudi Arabia

Beyond acting, Paul Anderson has been making waves in the world of combat sports, playing a pivotal role in the historic Undisputed clash between Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk. Anderson was at the forefront of the fight’s global marketing rollout, starring as the main protagonist in the viral "Tale As Old As Time" promotional video, which reimagined Fury and Usyk as warriors throughout the ages—an epic, cinematic piece that set the tone for one of the biggest fights in boxing history.

Anderson’s connection to Saudi Arabia’s sports and entertainment expansion is also growing. He made a high-profile appearance at The Joy Awards in Riyadh Season, further cementing his relationship with the Saudis, who are currently dominating the global sports entertainment industry. With Saudi Arabia continuing to push for blockbuster sporting events, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Anderson involved in future film and sports crossovers.

With Anderson’s Hollywood career heating up, his presence in the boxing and sports entertainment space expanding, and the Peaky Blinders movie on the horizon, his next move remains a hot topic of discussion. Whether or not Arthur Shelby rides again, one thing is certain—Paul Anderson isn’t slowing down anytime soon.