Thescreescore – The highly anticipated cinematic continuation of the Shelby saga, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, is poised to make a significant impact with a pivotal casting decision that sees a major character’s role reimagined. As the Peaky Blinders universe expands from its acclaimed television run into a feature film, creator Steven Knight has confirmed a key recasting within the iconic Shelby family, setting the stage for an intriguing new chapter.
Fans last encountered Duke Shelby, Tommy Shelby’s long-lost son, portrayed by Conrad Khan during the sixth and final season of the BBC/Netflix series. Duke swiftly ascended to a crucial position within the family’s burgeoning empire, particularly as Tommy began to withdraw from the day-to-day operations. However, with The Immortal Man set to propel the narrative several years forward into the tumultuous 1940s, a new face will embody the character: acclaimed Irish actor Barry Keoghan.
Addressing the strategic choice to bring Keoghan into the fold, Steven Knight shared insights with Entertainment Weekly, emphasizing that the decision was less about replacing Khan and more about the character’s natural evolution within the expanded timeline. Knight expressed his long-held desire for Keoghan to portray Duke, stating, "I never leap on board when people start saying about an actor, ‘Oh my God, he’s got this stillness.’ You start using all these words about an actor. But with him, it’s all true. I wanted him to be the son from the beginning, and when we knew we got him, he took it to another level. Who he is in real life is perfect for this. He’s just so good." This powerful endorsement underscores Keoghan’s unique ability to infuse the role with a compelling depth that Knight envisioned from the outset.
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Keoghan’s casting signals a deliberate move to amplify Duke’s presence and influence within the Shelby criminal enterprise. Known for his intensely captivating and often unsettling performances in films such as Saltburn, Crime 101, and The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Keoghan brings a formidable screen presence that perfectly aligns with the darker, more complex trajectory Duke is expected to navigate. The shift to the 1940s sees Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) returning to Birmingham from wartime exile, only to find Duke seemingly at the helm of the Peaky Blinders. A compelling line from Ada Shelby in the film’s trailer, "Your gypsy son is running the Peaky Blinders like it’s 1919 all over again," starkly illustrates Duke’s complete takeover of his father’s former territory and gang.
Directed by Tom Harper and penned by Steven Knight, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man boasts an ensemble cast including Cillian Murphy, Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Roth, Sophie Rundle, Stephen Graham, Ned Dennehy, Packy Lee, Ian Peck, and Jay Lycurgo, alongside Keoghan. The film is set to delve into the intricate and often strained relationship between Tommy and his ambitious son. While this cinematic event marks Cillian Murphy’s final portrayal of Tommy Shelby, the franchise’s gaze is clearly fixed on its future. Knight’s enthusiastic backing of Keoghan strongly suggests a pivotal and enduring role for the actor within the Peaky Blinders universe, potentially even leading the upcoming sequel series currently in development at Netflix with Knight at the helm. However, the ultimate fate of Duke Shelby following the events of The Immortal Man remains a tantalizing mystery, leaving room for much speculation.
Audiences can witness this new chapter unfold when Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man premieres in select theaters on March 6, 2026, followed by its global release on Netflix on March 20, 2026. The film, with a runtime of 112 minutes, promises a gripping continuation of the beloved saga.
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