Details to the role of Peaky Blinders season 5 new cast addition Sam Clafin has finally been revealed. Helen McCrory (Aunt Polly) confirmed on Lorraine Kelly's talk show that the actor will play the real-life politician Oswald Mosley.
In the 1930s, Mosley led the British Union of Fascists (BUF), an actual far-right political party. He was also known for his gripping speech at the Free Trade Hall after an election in 1931 that signaled the party's increasing radicalism and authoritarianism.
McCrory revealed on Lorraine that they filmed that notorious Mosley speech on Peaky Blinders season 5. She intimated that the scene had them all enthralled as Clafin was so convincing as the fascist leader.
Clafin's casting on Peaky Blinders season 5 was announced in late fall of 2018. Wearing a three-piece suit in the promo photos, the actor said that he was privileged to be joining the iconic series. At that time, however, the details to his character were kept from the press, as per Deadline. It was not even clear whether he was playing one of the good guys or the bad guys.
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, meanwhile, discussed what is up next for lead character Tommy Shelby (played by Cillian Murphy), especially with the Mosley storyline. Speaking with Radio Times, Knight said that as a newly-minted politician Tommy is going to exploit his position and political clout.
"In series five he confronts fascism," Knight revealed." Well, not 'confront' exactly, but that is what is happening at the time."
Politics might be a new world for Tommy but a lot of its elements is already familiar to this gang leader who has dealt with cunning people all his life. Knight also said that Tommy will come across some "dark forces" sitting in office as the social and political climate in Europe begin to change.
Knight added that amid the rise of fascism, however, Tommy's biggest enemy is really himself. As it was before, the main character of Peaky Blinders will appear to be cool and in control on the outside but he's really suffering on the inside.
Meanwhile, parts of Peaky Blinders season 5 will be depicted as Detroit in America. Finn Cole (Michael) was seen filming on the Liverpool set for these scenes with newcomer Anya Taylor-Joy, as per Digital Spy. Viewers may recall that Tommy sent his nephew Michael to the U.S. at the end of season 4. It's not clear, however, if the actress from The Witch will play Michael's new love interest.
BBC has not yet revealed the actual premiered date for Peaky Blinders season 5, as of press time. The show also streams on Netflix.
