Barry Keoghan, known for his roles in Saltburn and The Banshees of Inisherin, joins the cast of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man as Duke, the illegitimate son of Tommy Shelby. This new film, released in UK cinemas and set to stream on Netflix in March 2026, adds fresh depth to the Peaky Blinders saga by expanding on Tommy’s complicated legacy.
Barry Keoghan Cast as Tommy Shelby’s Son Duke
The much-anticipated film installment of the Peaky Blinders universe features Barry Keoghan playing Duke, the previously introduced but now much more significant character. Duke, Tommy Shelby’s son, was first seen during the final season of the television show, portrayed then by Conrad Kahn. Since that time, Duke has evolved from an overlooked thief into a prominent figure leading the Peaky Blinders, reflecting a darker, more ruthless direction for the crime family.
Cillian Murphy Shares Insights on Keoghan’s Role
At the world premiere in Birmingham, Cillian Murphy, who plays Tommy Shelby, spoke exclusively about why Barry Keoghan was the natural choice to take on the role of Duke. He emphasized Keoghan’s dynamic on-camera presence and unpredictability, qualities that made him stand out.
“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.”
A Unique Father-Son Dynamic in the Film
The film explores a complex and often tense relationship between Tommy Shelby and Duke. Unlike typical father-son bonds, their connection is strained and fraught with conflict, mirroring the darker themes in the Peaky Blinders narrative. This tension is further underscored by the fact that Tommy was unaware of Duke’s existence until late in the TV series, adding layers to the characters’ interactions.
Barry Keoghan’s Enthusiasm for Joining the Cast
Keoghan expressed his excitement about joining the Peaky Blinders world and working alongside Murphy again, recalling their previous collaboration in Christopher Nolan’s 2017 film Dunkirk. He announced that Murphy personally invited him on Father’s Day, an offer he enthusiastically accepted.
“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 said.
In a lighthearted moment during an Empire interview, Keoghan joked about their similar appearances, claiming he looks
“more Cillian Murphy than Cillian looks Cillian Murphy,”
and challenged others to decide who truly has bluer eyes.
Character Growth and Film Release Details
Duke has transformed from a minor criminal into a dominant force heading the Peaky Blinders, signaling a shift in power and adding new layers to the ongoing crime saga. The film, which continues the story of the Shelby family, is now showing in select UK cinemas. It will become available for streaming on Netflix from Friday, 20 March 2026, accessible through subscriptions starting at £5.99 per month, and is also available on platforms like Sky Glass and Virgin Media.
The Film’s Place in the Peaky Blinders Legacy
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man not only widens the scope of the Shelby family narrative but also highlights the talents of both Cillian Murphy and Barry Keoghan, two Irish actors with intertwined professional paths. Murphy’s acclaimed career, including his Best Actor Oscar for Oppenheimer, and Keoghan’s rising reputation contribute significant gravitas to this new chapter. The film’s release will likely trigger renewed interest in both the franchise and the evolving characters, with fans eager to see how the father-son relationship develops under the intense pressures of their criminal world.
For those following the series closely, adding Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man to their watchlist is now possible via the Radio Times’ app, which offers curated daily TV and film recommendations alongside streaming information.
