Aston Villa Star's Peaky Blinders Makeover

Aston Villa's Matty Cash recently embodied the iconic 'Peaky Blinders' character Tommy Shelby for a promotional video released by Netflix Poland. The campaign, launched on March 20, 2026, coinciding with the availability of 'The Immortal Man' follow-up film, saw Cash adopt the gangster's distinctive attire.

Filming for the trailer, which accumulated over one million views on Netflix's Polish platforms, took place efficiently in Poland. Cash reportedly flew out on a Sunday, completed filming on the following Monday, and returned to Birmingham that same evening to minimize disruption to his Aston Villa schedule.

The marketing initiative cleverly links the show's Birmingham setting to Aston Villa's presence in the city. Historically, the term 'Peaky Blinders' referred to street ruffians in late 19th-century Birmingham, a period when the city, and even the site of Villa Park, saw instances of gang-related unrest.

Netflix has previously engaged in similar football-themed advertising campaigns globally. These have included collaborations with Atletico Madrid, involving players like Koke and Antoine Griezmann, and promotions featuring players such as Ousmane Dembele in France and various Argentine footballers. These efforts underscore Netflix's strategy to tap into football's broad appeal.