Meet the Cast of Peaky Blinders Series Four

Every Major Character, New Faces, Returning Legends & the Story Behind Season 4

Overview

Season 4 of Peaky Blinders originally premiered on BBC Two on November 15, 2017. Although it isn’t airing as a new season today, it remains one of the most celebrated chapters of the series, which concluded after six seasons before expanding its story with a feature film in March 2026.

The biggest headline of season four was the arrival of Oscar-winning actor Adrien Brody as ruthless New York Mafia boss Luca Changretta, whose quest for revenge forces the Shelby family into one of their deadliest battles.

Key Season 4 Additions

• Adrien Brody joins as Luca Changretta, a Mafia leader determined to destroy the Shelby family.
• Aidan Gillen appears as Aberama Gold, a fearless gypsy fighter with unpredictable loyalties.
• Charlie Murphy portrays Jessie Eden, a character inspired by the real-life trade union activist known for fighting for women’s rights and equal pay.

Core Returning Cast

• Cillian Murphy as Thomas (Tommy) Shelby
• Paul Anderson as Arthur Shelby
• Helen McCrory as Polly Gray
• Tom Hardy as Alfie Solomons

The complete fourth season, along with the rest of the series, is available to stream on platforms such as Netflix.

Meet the Cast of Peaky Blinders Series Four

When I first rewatched Peaky Blinders Season 4, I expected another brilliant gangster drama. Instead, I found myself paying far more attention to the incredible cast than I had during my first viewing. Every actor—from longtime favorites like Cillian Murphy to newcomers like Adrien Brody—brings something unforgettable to the screen.

That’s one reason this season remains a fan favorite years after its original release.

Unlike previous seasons that focused heavily on the Shelby family’s rise to power, Series Four throws them into survival mode. Family members are separated, old friendships are tested, and a deadly enemy arrives from New York with one purpose: revenge.

If you’ve ever wondered who plays each character in Peaky Blinders Season 4, or you’re trying to remember where you’ve seen these actors before, this guide has you covered.

Why Season 4 Is So Important

By 1925, the Shelby family isn’t the powerful united force fans remember.

Following the dramatic events of the previous season, Tommy Shelby has become isolated from his own family. Arthur, John, Polly, Ada, and the rest of the gang have all gone their separate ways, hoping to leave crime behind.

Unfortunately, peace doesn’t last.

A letter marked with the infamous Black Hand signals the arrival of Luca Changretta, a Mafia boss from New York seeking vengeance for the deaths of his relatives. The Shelbys have only one option—reunite or die.

In my opinion, this storyline gives every cast member a chance to shine because each character suddenly becomes essential to the family’s survival.

Main Cast of Peaky Blinders Season 4

Tommy Shelby (Played by Cillian Murphy)

Tommy Shelby remains the undisputed leader of the Shelby family, but Season Four reveals a very different version of him.

Instead of the confident businessman audiences remember, Tommy is emotionally exhausted after losing Grace and becoming increasingly disconnected from his brothers and sister. Living only with his son Charlie, he appears quieter, colder, and more burdened than ever.

Everything changes once Luca Changretta declares war.

Tommy must rebuild the family he unintentionally tore apart while creating dangerous new alliances that could either save Birmingham—or destroy it.

About Cillian Murphy

Long before becoming the face of Peaky Blinders, Cillian Murphy earned worldwide recognition through an impressive collection of films.

Many viewers know him from:

• 28 Days Later
• Red Eye
• The Wind That Shakes the Barley
• Batman Begins
• The Dark Knight
• The Dark Knight Rises
• Inception
• Dunkirk

His collaborations with director Christopher Nolan helped establish him as one of the finest dramatic actors of his generation, but many fans still consider Tommy Shelby his defining performance.

One thing I always notice is how Murphy can communicate an entire conversation without saying a word. A single stare often tells viewers more than pages of dialogue.

Polly Gray (Played by Helen McCrory)

Few characters are as important to the Shelby family as Polly Gray.

After spending time in prison and narrowly escaping execution, Polly returns emotionally scarred and struggling to trust Tommy again. The relationship between aunt and nephew becomes one of the emotional foundations of Season Four.

Despite her trauma, Polly continues to serve as the family’s strategist, protector, and moral compass whenever difficult decisions arise.

Watching her rebuild confidence while helping hold the family together is one of the season’s strongest storylines.

About Helen McCrory

The late Helen McCrory brought incredible depth to every role she played.

Before and during Peaky Blinders, audiences recognized her from:

• The Queen
• The Special Relationship
• Skyfall
• Charlotte Gray
• Harry Potter film series (Narcissa Malfoy)
• Fearless

Her commanding screen presence makes Polly one of television’s most respected female crime drama characters.

Luca Changretta (Played by Adrien Brody)

Every unforgettable season needs an unforgettable villain.

Season Four introduces Luca Changretta, a powerful Mafia boss arriving from New York with a simple objective—eliminate every member of the Shelby family.

Unlike previous enemies, Luca isn’t driven by money or politics.

He’s motivated by revenge.

His calm personality, calculated intelligence, and willingness to wait patiently for the perfect moment make him one of Tommy Shelby’s most dangerous opponents.

Rather than attacking directly, Luca forces Tommy into a psychological war where every decision could cost another family member their life.

About Adrien Brody

The arrival of Adrien Brody immediately elevated the international profile of the series.

Brody became the youngest Best Actor Oscar winner for The Pianist, before starring in films including:

• King Kong
• The Village
• Predators
• The Grand Budapest Hotel
• Fantastic Mr. Fox
• The Darjeeling Limited

His Hollywood experience brought an entirely different energy to Peaky Blinders, making Luca feel like a genuine Mafia leader rather than a typical television villain.

Arthur Shelby (Played by Paul Anderson)

Arthur Shelby has always balanced violence with vulnerability.

By the beginning of Season Four, he has attempted to leave his criminal lifestyle behind. Living peacefully with his wife Linda and their child, Arthur finally appears to have found stability.

However, the Mafia’s arrival quickly destroys that dream.

Forced back into the Shelby business, Arthur struggles to reconcile his desire for peace with his fierce loyalty to Tommy.

It’s one of the strongest character arcs in the season because viewers can genuinely see how badly Arthur wants a different life.

About Paul Anderson

Outside Peaky Blinders, Paul Anderson has built an impressive acting career through television and film.

His credits include:

• The Firm
• Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows
• The Revenant
• Top Boy
• Lewis
• The Great Train Robbery

Although he’s appeared in numerous productions, Arthur Shelby remains the performance most audiences associate with him.

John Shelby (Played by Joe Cole)

John Shelby may not always receive as much attention as Tommy or Arthur, but he’s one of the family’s most dependable fighters.

After relocating to the countryside with Esme and their children, John hopes to leave violence behind.

Yet when the Black Hand arrives, he doesn’t hesitate to stand beside his brothers once again.

His unwavering loyalty and fearless attitude make him one of the emotional pillars of the Shelby family.

About Joe Cole

Before becoming John Shelby, Joe Cole appeared in several popular British productions, including:

• Skins
• The Hour
• Offender
• Green Room
• Black Mirror
• Other acclaimed television dramas

His natural charisma helped transform John from a supporting character into one of the show’s most beloved Shelby brothers.

Ada Shelby (Played by Sophie Rundle)

Among all the members of the Shelby family, Ada Shelby often serves as the bridge between emotional conflicts and practical decisions. While her brothers frequently resort to violence, Ada usually approaches situations with intelligence and diplomacy.

By the beginning of Season 4, Ada has been living a quieter life in Boston, away from Birmingham’s criminal underworld. However, the Mafia threat forces her to return home, where she immediately begins repairing fractured family relationships.

What I appreciate most about Ada is that she proves strength doesn’t always require carrying a gun. Her calm thinking often prevents situations from becoming even more dangerous.

About Sophie Rundle

British actress Sophie Rundle had already established herself before joining the Shelby family.

Some of her best-known projects include:

• Happy Valley
• The Bletchley Circle
• Brief Encounters
• Jamestown
• Bodyguard
• Not Safe for Work

Her performance gives Ada warmth, intelligence, and emotional balance throughout the series.

Michael Gray (Played by Finn Cole)

Introduced as Polly Gray’s biological son, Michael Gray continues growing into an important member of the Shelby business during Season Four.

After surviving prison alongside his mother, Michael becomes one of Tommy’s trusted advisers. His education, business mindset, and ambition separate him from many other gang members, making him increasingly valuable to the family’s future.

Watching Michael evolve from a young newcomer into a confident businessman is one of the most rewarding long-term character arcs in the show.

About Finn Cole

Finn Cole may have entered the series as Joe Cole’s real-life younger brother, but he quickly earned recognition in his own right.

Besides Peaky Blinders, audiences have seen him in:

• Animal Kingdom
• An Inspector Calls

His confident performance hints at Michael’s growing influence within the Shelby empire.

Jessie Eden (Played by Charlie Murphy)

Season Four introduces one of its most fascinating additions—Jessie Eden.

Unlike many fictional characters in the series, Jessie is inspired by a real historical figure remembered for her role in Britain’s trade union movement.

She fights for fair wages, equal treatment, and improved working conditions for female factory workers. Rather than fearing Tommy Shelby, Jessie openly challenges his authority, creating a completely different kind of conflict.

I enjoyed how the series balanced organized crime with genuine historical events. It gives the story extra depth beyond gang rivalries.

About Charlie Murphy

Irish actress Charlie Murphy has built an impressive television career through performances in:

• Love/Hate
• Happy Valley
• To Walk Invisible
• Rebellion
• The Foreigner

Her portrayal makes Jessie Eden one of Season Four’s most memorable newcomers.

Linda Shelby (Played by Kate Phillips)

Linda Shelby continues trying to guide Arthur toward a peaceful, law-abiding life.

Living in the countryside, she believes the Shelby family’s violent past is finally behind them. Unfortunately, Luca Changretta’s revenge campaign drags Arthur back into Birmingham’s criminal world.

Linda becomes the voice of morality throughout many difficult decisions, creating constant tension between family loyalty and personal values.

About Kate Phillips

Before Peaky Blinders, Kate Phillips appeared in several acclaimed historical dramas, including:

• Wolf Hall
• War & Peace
• The Crown
• My Mother and Other Strangers

Her experience with period dramas fits perfectly within the world of Peaky Blinders.

Esme Shelby (Played by Aimée-Ffion Edwards)

As John Shelby’s wife, Esme never fully trusted Tommy’s leadership.

Coming from the Lee gypsy family, she repeatedly encourages John to stay away from the Shelby business and protect their children from violence.

Season Four explores both her fierce loyalty to family and her growing frustration with the dangerous lifestyle that refuses to let them escape.

About Aimée-Ffion Edwards

Aimée-Ffion Edwards has appeared in a variety of television productions, including:

• Skins
• Luther
• The Detectorists
• Troy: Fall of a City

Her performance gives Esme emotional realism while highlighting the challenges faced by families connected to organized crime.

Lizzie Stark (Played by Natasha O’Keeffe)

Over the years, Lizzie Stark has transformed from Tommy’s former employee into one of his most dependable allies.

Even when members of the Shelby family distance themselves from Tommy, Lizzie remains by his side, helping him manage both personal and business challenges.

Her loyalty becomes increasingly valuable as enemies close in from every direction.

About Natasha O’Keeffe

Natasha O’Keeffe has appeared in several recognizable productions, including:

• Sherlock
• Jekyll and Hyde
• Misfits
• Lip Service

Her subtle performance adds emotional stability to Tommy’s increasingly complicated life.

Alfie Solomons (Played by Tom Hardy)

Few television characters steal scenes as effortlessly as Alfie Solomons.

Played by Tom Hardy, Alfie is a brilliant London gang leader whose relationship with Tommy constantly shifts between friendship, business partnership, and betrayal.

That’s exactly what makes him so unpredictable.

One moment he’s helping Tommy survive the Mafia, and the next you’re wondering if he’ll strike another secret deal.

Whenever Alfie appears, I immediately pay closer attention because you simply never know what he’ll do next.

About Tom Hardy

Tom Hardy hardly needs an introduction.

His impressive filmography includes:

• Inception
• The Dark Knight Rises
• Dunkirk
• Mad Max: Fury Road
• The Revenant
• Locke
• Legend
• Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
• Black Hawk Down

He also starred in Taboo, Band of Brothers, and collaborated multiple times with director Christopher Nolan.

May Carleton (Played by Charlotte Riley)

May Carleton returns after previously sharing a romantic connection with Tommy Shelby.

An accomplished horse trainer from an aristocratic background, May represents the peaceful future Tommy might have chosen under different circumstances.

Her reappearance raises difficult questions about love, loss, and second chances.

About Charlotte Riley

Charlotte Riley has appeared in productions such as:

• Wuthering Heights
• Edge of Tomorrow
• King Charles III
• The Take

Many fans also recognize her as Tom Hardy’s real-life wife.

Aberama Gold (Played by Aidan Gillen)

One of the most exciting new additions to Season Four is Aberama Gold.

A fearless gypsy warrior with uncertain loyalties, Aberama joins Tommy’s fight against Luca Changretta by providing experienced fighters capable of standing against the Mafia.

His unpredictable personality makes him both a valuable ally and a potential risk.

About Aidan Gillen

Aidan Gillen is widely recognized for memorable performances in:

• Game of Thrones (Petyr “Littlefinger” Baelish)
• The Wire
• Queer as Folk
• The Dark Knight Rises
• Maze Runner franchise

His commanding screen presence immediately strengthens the Season Four cast.

Why Season 4’s Cast Works So Well

After researching the complete cast again, one thing became very clear: Peaky Blinders Season 4 succeeds because every character has a meaningful purpose.

Returning favorites such as Tommy, Arthur, Polly, Ada, John, Michael, and Alfie provide emotional continuity, while newcomers like Luca Changretta, Jessie Eden, and Aberama Gold introduce fresh conflicts that push the story in unexpected directions.

The combination of British television talent and internationally recognized Hollywood actors gives the season a unique cinematic quality rarely seen in television dramas.

Quick Tips for New Viewers

• Watch Seasons 1–3 before starting Season 4 to fully understand the family dynamics.
• Pay attention to Tommy’s relationships with Polly, Arthur, and Alfie—they drive many of the season’s biggest moments.
• Don’t overlook Jessie Eden’s storyline, as it introduces real historical themes alongside the crime drama.
• Notice how Luca Changretta differs from previous villains by relying on patience, strategy, and psychological warfare rather than brute force.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who plays Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders Season 4?

Cillian Murphy portrays Tommy Shelby, continuing his acclaimed role as the leader of the Shelby family and one of television’s most iconic antiheroes.

Who is the new villain in Season 4?

The primary antagonist is Luca Changretta, played by Adrien Brody. He arrives from New York seeking revenge against the Shelby family after the deaths of his relatives.

Is Jessie Eden based on a real person?

Yes. Jessie Eden is inspired by the real-life British trade union activist who campaigned for workers’ rights and equal pay for women during the early twentieth century.

Which famous actors joined Season 4?

Season Four welcomed several notable additions, including Adrien Brody, Aidan Gillen, and Charlie Murphy, while returning stars such as Tom Hardy, Cillian Murphy, Helen McCrory, and Paul Anderson continued their major roles.

Where can I watch Peaky Blinders Season 4?

The complete fourth season, along with the rest of the series, is available to stream on Netflix in many regions, although availability may vary by country.

Final Thoughts

Looking back, Peaky Blinders Season 4 remains one of the strongest chapters of the entire series because it perfectly blends powerful storytelling with exceptional performances. From Cillian Murphy’s emotionally layered Tommy Shelby to Adrien Brody’s chilling portrayal of Luca Changretta, every actor contributes to a season filled with tension, unforgettable dialogue, and cinematic production values.

What impressed me most during my research wasn’t just the star power—it was how each character, whether returning or newly introduced, had a clear purpose in the story. Polly Gray provided wisdom, Arthur Shelby delivered raw emotion, Ada Shelby offered stability, Jessie Eden added historical depth, and Aberama Gold brought fresh unpredictability to the Shelby family’s fight for survival.

Whether you’re revisiting the series or discovering it for the first time, getting to know the talented cast behind these unforgettable characters makes Season 4 even more rewarding. Which performance stands out most to you Tommy Shelby’s quiet determination, Luca Changretta’s calculated menace, or Alfie Solomons’ unpredictable brilliance? Let the discussion continue.