Steven Knight Discusses ‘House of Guinness’ Film and Its Stellar Cast at London Convention
New Cast Additions
Steven Knight, creator of the acclaimed series Peaky Blinders, has described the cast for the upcoming film as “mindblowing.” The film continues the story of Birmingham gangster Tommy Shelby, portrayed by Cillian Murphy. Joining the cast are Barry Keoghan from Saltburn and Rebecca Ferguson from Dune, with more announcements expected soon.
Film Background and Setting
During a conversation at The Royal Television Society’s London Convention, Knight shared that the film is set during World War II and expressed excitement about the project. Originally, he intended to write Peaky Blinders as a novel before transitioning to a television format.
Knight’s Experience and Insights
Knight also reflected on his experience with HBO’s Game of Thrones, admitting he once thought it was a children’s show due to his son’s interest in it. He recounted being surprised when producers suggested casting Aiden Gillen, known for his role as Petyr Baelish.
Upcoming Project: House of Guinness
Regarding his new series House of Guinness, Knight revealed that it focuses on the Guinness family and their remarkable history starting in 1968. He emphasized the impressive cast involved in this project.
Establishing a Creative Space
Knight is also building a film and television studio complex called Digbeth Loc. in Birmingham, aimed at creating a comfortable working environment for industry professionals. He envisions this space as a place of leisure and creativity, where both large and small productions can thrive.
He described the location’s unique Victorian architecture, noting the potential for transformation despite its current dereliction. Knight believes that creating a nurturing environment for filmmakers can help improve the industry’s demanding conditions.
Advocating for Diverse Storytelling
Addressing the issue of representation in television, Knight emphasized the importance of telling stories from all backgrounds. He remarked, “If you don’t tell the stories of 70% of the population, you’re missing a significant part of the country.” He believes that compelling narratives often come from diverse perspectives, urging writers to focus on the stories of everyday people.
