Barry Keoghan has taken on the role of Duke Shelby in the new Peaky Blinders film, The Immortal Man, now streaming on Netflix. The film follows Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) as he confronts his past, with Duke emerging as a key figure in the family's future.
Duke is Tommy's illegitimate firstborn son with Romani woman Zelda Chiriklo (Rebecca Ferguson). After his mother's death, he was raised by aunt Esme Shelby-Lee before being sold to Tommy in 1934. He later joined the Peaky Blinders and became a full member of the Shelby family.
Creator Steven Knight explained the recasting from Conrad Khan to Keoghan was due to a six-year time jump. Knight praised Keoghan's performance, stating, 'To see Barry and Cillian either side of a bar drinking whiskey and looking at each other and not even saying anything is just magnificent.'
Following Tommy's death in The Immortal Man, Duke assumes leadership of the Peaky Blinders. Knight confirmed Duke will return in a sequel series, saying, 'The son character will feature in what goes forward. So, it's a continuation of the Shelby family story.'
The sequel series will consist of two seasons, exploring a new generation of Shelbys. Further details about Duke's role remain under wraps, but his involvement signals a new chapter for the franchise.
