Barry Keoghan has been cast as Duke Shelby in the upcoming Peaky Blinders film, The Immortal Man, taking over from Conrad Khan who played the role in the television series. The film continues the story of Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy) as he confronts his past and his son Duke's dangerous path.
Duke Shelby is Tommy's illegitimate eldest son with Zelda Chiriklo (Rebecca Ferguson), a Romani woman. After his mother's death, Duke was raised by his aunt Esme Shelby-Lee before joining the Peaky Blinders in Birmingham. The six-year time jump in the narrative prompted the recasting, according to creator Steven Knight.
Knight praised Keoghan's performance, stating that seeing him and Murphy together was 'magnificent'. The film serves as both a conclusion and a launchpad for a new generation of characters, with a follow-up series already confirmed.
For the upcoming television sequel, set in post-war 1950s Birmingham, Jamie Bell will take over the role of Duke Shelby, with Charlie Heaton also joining the cast. Knight expressed excitement about the new era for the franchise.
