Barry Keoghan has been confirmed as a key addition to the Peaky Blinders universe, playing Tommy Shelby’s illegitimate son, Duke, in the new film adaptation. The Saltburn and Banshees of Inisherin star’s casting has generated particular excitement among fans ahead of the movie’s release, reinforcing his status within the Peaky Blinders world.
Barry Keoghan’s Role and Relationship with Cillian Murphy in The Immortal Man
In the film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, Barry Keoghan portrays Duke, the son of Tommy Shelby, a character previously introduced late in the TV series and originally played by Conrad Kahn. This father-son pairing introduces a complex and turbulent dynamic as Duke’s character evolves into a hardened leader within the Peaky Blinders gang.
At the film’s world premiere in Birmingham, Cillian Murphy, who plays Tommy Shelby, shared insights on why Keoghan was their primary choice for Duke. Murphy noted their longstanding acquaintance and commended Keoghan’s on-screen unpredictability and energy that make him an ideal fit for the role.
“I’ve known Barry for a long time, and I’ve just watched him go from strength to strength,”
Murphy said.
“He’s got that incredible unpredictability when you put a camera on him, that dynamism, so we were delighted to have him in the film. He was always our first choice.”
Keoghan also commented humorously on his resemblance to Murphy during an interview with Empire magazine, joking that he might look
“more Cillian Murphy than Cillian looks Cillian Murphy,”
and challenged Murphy on who has bluer eyes.
From Dunkirk to Peaky Blinders: The Actors’ Shared History
The connection between Murphy and Keoghan dates back to their joint work on Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk in 2017. Both have since built successful careers, with Murphy securing an Academy Award for Best Actor in 2023 due to his performance in Nolan’s Oppenheimer.
Murphy called Keoghan on Father’s Day to invite him to join the Peaky Blinders film, an offer Keoghan accepted enthusiastically.
“At the drop of a hat, I was like, f***in’ yeah, anything to work with yourself again, and to become part of that universe and that world,”
Keoghan stated.
Duke’s Evolution and Significance in Peaky Blinders
Duke’s character first appeared as a previously unknown thief to Tommy Shelby during the show’s final season. Since then, Duke has ascended within the gang’s ranks, becoming a ruthless and strategic leader. This transformation plays a crucial part in expanding the Peaky Blinders narrative through the film.
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is currently available in selected cinemas across the United Kingdom and is scheduled for streaming on Netflix starting March 20, 2026. Netflix subscribers can access the film from £5.99 a month, with availability also on platforms such as Sky Glass and Virgin Media.
Impact of the Film and What to Expect Next
The addition of Barry Keoghan alongside veteran cast members like Cillian Murphy deepens the film’s portrayal of the Shelby legacy, reflecting both tension and continuity within the story. Fans of the franchise can anticipate intense character interactions, especially the father-son confrontations that underline the film’s themes of power and family dynamics.
As the story unfolds on screen, Duke’s rise may shift audience perspectives on leadership and loyalty in the Peaky Blinders world, setting the stage for new conflicts and alliances beyond the series’ conclusion.
