AceShowbiz - Peaky Blinders fans are set to witness a significant change in the Shelby family as The Immortal Man confirms a major recasting of Duke Shelby. Following the conclusion of season 6, the Shelby saga continues in this upcoming film, where Duke Shelby, Tommy Shelby’s long-lost son, will be portrayed by Barry Keoghan instead of Conrad Khan, who played the role in the final season of the series.

As the story advances several years into the future, the film’s timeline jumps to 1940, during World War II. This time jump necessitated a casting change to reflect Duke's older age and growing importance within the Shelby empire. The film will follow Tommy Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy, as he returns to Birmingham from exile amid the war. Duke’s expanded role is expected to be central to the story, marking a new chapter for the franchise.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, creator Steven Knight shed light on the recasting decision, emphasizing that the choice of Keoghan was deliberate and based on his unique qualities. Knight explained, "I never leap on board when people start saying about an actor, 'Oh my God, he's got this stillness.' 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."

This endorsement highlights that the recasting was not about replacing Khan but rather evolving Duke’s character to suit the film’s narrative needs. Keoghan, known for his intense and nuanced performances in movies such as Saltburn, Crime 101, and The Killing of a Sacred Deer, brings a distinctive presence that aligns with the complex Shelby family dynamics.

Early trailers and descriptions suggest that Keoghan’s Duke has assumed significant control over the Peaky Blinders operation. A key line from Ada Shelby in the trailer states, "Your gypsy son is running the Peaky Blinders like it's 1919 all over again." This confirms that Duke has taken the reins in Tommy’s absence, managing the gang and its territories with a firm hand.

The film will also delve into the complicated relationship between Tommy and Duke, adding emotional depth to the narrative. While The Immortal Man will be the final appearance of Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, the franchise’s future seems to hinge on Duke’s character. Knight’s strong support of Keoghan hints that Duke may play a pivotal role in upcoming projects, including a sequel series currently in development for Netflix.

Despite speculation about Duke’s future, it remains uncertain whether he will survive the events depicted in The Immortal Man. The film is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on March 6, 2026, followed by a streaming debut on Netflix on March 20. Directed by Tom Harper, the movie runs for 112 minutes and features an ensemble cast including Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Roth, Sophie Rundle, Stephen Graham, Ned Dennehy, Packy Lee, Ian Peck, and Jay Lycurgo alongside Keoghan and Murphy.

The decision to recast Duke Shelby marks a significant turning point for the Peaky Blinders franchise, signaling a fresh direction as it transitions from television to cinema. With Barry Keoghan now leading the next generation of Shelbys, fans can anticipate an intense and gripping continuation of this iconic story.