Barry Keoghan Takes Over as Duke Shelby in Peaky Blinders Film
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man has soared to the top of the Netflix global film charts following its release on the streaming platform after a cinematic debut on 6 March 2026. The film continues the story several years after the events of Peaky Blinders series six, which originally aired on the BBC in 2022.
Original Portrayal by Conrad Khan
In series six, Birmingham crime lord Tommy Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy, learns from his sister-in-law Esme Shelby, portrayed by Aimee-Ffion Edwards, that he fathered a child with Zelda Chiriklo, played by Rebecca Ferguson, from a brief affair before World War I. This son, named Erasmus 'Duke' Shelby, was initially brought to life by actor Conrad Khan, known for roles in County Lines and Baptiste.
On television, Tommy assigned Duke to the darker aspects of his business, and it seemed the young man had found his place within the Shelby family. However, in the film adaptation, the character of Duke is now embodied by Barry Keoghan, acclaimed for his performance in Saltburn.
Character Evolution and Recasting Decision
In the cinematic version, Duke has taken a drastically different path, leading the Peaky Blinders gang as if it were still 1919, causing chaos and swearing allegiance only to himself. This portrayal contrasts sharply with the reluctant son working for his father seen in the TV series.
While Steven Knight, the creator of Peaky Blinders, has not publicly detailed the exact reasons for recasting, he shared insights on bringing Keoghan into the role. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Knight, also the writer behind Taboo and SAS Rogue Heroes, stated: "I never leap on board when people start saying about an actor, 'Oh my God, he's got this stillness.'"
He elaborated further: "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."
Implications for the Storyline
Knight's remarks suggest the recasting may have been driven by a desire to age Duke's character and signify a departure from his younger television depiction. Duke has undergone significant development during his father's absence, which becomes apparent in The Immortal Man when he becomes involved in a Nazi conspiracy and exhibits a twisted, self-serving moral code.
Additionally, Knight expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with Keoghan, and the film provided that opportunity. This casting change aligns with the narrative shift, showcasing Duke's transformation into a more independent and formidable figure within the Shelby legacy.
