Barry Keoghan’s arrival in the Peaky Blinders universe brought a new face to one of the Shelby family’s most important characters. In Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man (2026), Barry Keoghan plays Duke Shelby, the eldest son of Tommy Shelby, originally portrayed by Cillian Murphy. The character previously appeared in Season 6, where Conrad Khan played the younger version of Duke.
Set in Birmingham in 1940 during World War II, the film moves the Shelby family story into a new chapter. Tommy is drawn back into the dangerous world he once tried to leave behind, while his son Duke has become an important figure in the Peaky Blinders gang.
The casting is particularly significant because Duke represents the next generation of the Shelby family. With Keoghan taking over the role, the film explores the relationship between a father with a complicated criminal legacy and a son who is beginning to establish his own place in that world.
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man was released in selected cinemas on March 6, 2026, before arriving on Netflix in the United States on March 20, 2026. Netflix Media Center+1
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Who Is Duke Shelby in Peaky Blinders?
Duke Shelby, whose full name is Erasmus Shelby, is the illegitimate son of Thomas Shelby. He is Tommy’s eldest biological child and an important part of the family’s next generation.
His mother was Zelda, a Romani woman whom Tommy met before leaving for the First World War. Their relationship resulted in Duke’s birth, but Tommy did not know that he had a son for many years.
Duke’s introduction in Season 6
Duke first enters the story in Season 6, Episode 4, titled “Sapphire.” Tommy learns about his existence after the death of his daughter Ruby. His sister-in-law Esme Shelby-Lee helps him find the young man.
Duke has grown up without his father. After Zelda’s death, he survives through theft and works around fairgrounds. His life is very different from the wealthy and powerful world occupied by the Shelby family.
Conrad Khan originally played Duke Shelby. His character appears in the final episodes of Season 6, where Tommy begins bringing him into the family business.
Duke proves that he has the qualities needed to survive in the dangerous Shelby world. He understands the importance of loyalty, knows how to keep secrets and is willing to take risks.
His introduction also creates a new family dynamic. Tommy already has a son, Charles, with his second wife, Lizzie, but Duke is his eldest biological son. This makes Duke an important figure in the family’s future.
Netflix’s character history confirms that Duke was born from Tommy’s relationship with Zelda and was brought into the Peaky Blinders after Tommy discovered his existence. Netflix Tudum+2
Why Barry Keoghan Plays Duke Shelby in The Immortal Man
The change from Conrad Khan to Barry Keoghan is connected to the film’s timeline and the development of Duke’s character.
Season 6 introduced Duke as a young man who was only beginning to understand his father’s criminal empire. By the time of The Immortal Man, the story has moved forward to 1940.
Duke is now approximately 25 years old and has taken a much bigger position within the Peaky Blinders organisation. He is no longer simply Tommy Shelby’s newly discovered son. He has become a gang leader with his own methods and ambitions.
Barry Keoghan was officially cast in the film alongside Cillian Murphy, Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Roth and other returning and new cast members.
Keoghan’s casting was also an interesting choice because he had previously worked with Murphy in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk (2017). Their earlier professional connection added another point of interest to their reunion as father and son.
In a February 2026 interview with Radio Times, Keoghan discussed playing Tommy’s son and joked about the resemblance between their blue eyes. Radio Times+2
The film does not suggest that Duke is a completely different character. Instead, it presents an older version of the same person, with the experiences of the intervening years reflected in his position and behaviour.
What Happens to Duke Shelby in The Immortal Man?
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man gives Duke a central role in its main conflict.
By 1940, Tommy has withdrawn from the gang and is living in self-imposed exile. Duke has taken control of the Peaky Blinders and leads a younger generation of gang members.
However, his leadership style is different from his father’s.
The new Peaky Blinders are more reckless and aggressive. They steal weapons from bomb-damaged factories and use violence to control their surroundings. Duke’s approach is partly an attempt to live up to Tommy’s reputation.
His position becomes dangerous when he encounters Beckett, played by Tim Roth. Beckett is connected to the British Union of Fascists and is involved in a Nazi plan to destabilise Britain’s economy through counterfeit money.
Beckett sees Duke as a useful partner because of his influence over the gang. Duke agrees to help distribute the counterfeit banknotes, becoming involved in a much bigger conflict than ordinary gang activity.
His decisions also bring him into conflict with his aunt Ada Shelby. Ada disapproves of the gang’s behaviour and tries to stop Duke from supporting Beckett.
Duke’s biggest decision
One of the most important parts of Duke’s storyline comes when Beckett orders him to kill Ada.
Duke initially appears ready to follow the order. However, when he faces his aunt, he cannot go through with it. He tries to warn her instead.
Unfortunately, his decision comes too late. Beckett shoots Ada, leaving Duke devastated and increasing the conflict between him and Tommy.
Duke’s actions show that although he has become a ruthless gang leader, his family connections still matter to him.
The final conflict with Tommy Shelby
Tommy eventually returns to Birmingham and discovers what happened to Ada. He confronts Duke, who admits his mistakes but explains that he did not kill his aunt.
The two eventually work together against Beckett’s operation.
Duke helps Tommy mislead Beckett about their plans, allowing the Peaky Blinders to attack the counterfeit-money operation. Their combined efforts destroy the Nazi-backed scheme.
The film’s final emotional turning point comes after Tommy is seriously wounded. He asks Duke to end his suffering, and Duke ultimately kills his own father at Tommy’s request.
The moment represents the end of Tommy Shelby’s story and the passing of the Shelby legacy to his son. Netflix Tudum+1
Barry Keoghan and Cillian Murphy: The Father-Son Dynamic
The relationship between Tommy and Duke is one of the central emotional elements of The Immortal Man.
Although Duke is Tommy’s eldest biological son, the two have not shared a normal father-and-son relationship. Tommy was absent during most of Duke’s childhood, and Duke grew up without the guidance or protection of his father.
Their separation has consequences.
Duke wants to establish himself as a powerful Shelby, but he also carries the emotional burden of growing up without Tommy. His leadership style and aggressive behaviour can be understood partly through his desire to live up to his father’s reputation.
Tommy, meanwhile, is dealing with years of personal loss and guilt. He has lost several important family members and is no longer the confident gang leader who once controlled Birmingham.
Their relationship is therefore more complicated than a simple disagreement between two criminals.
In an interview with Netflix, Keoghan described Duke as a broken young man who wants his father to be around. He also explained that there is an underlying father-related struggle within the character.
Creator Steven Knight discussed the importance of fathers and sons in the film, describing the story as one about the passing of trauma from one generation to another.
The performances by Keoghan and Murphy bring this theme into focus. Their characters often communicate through physical actions and expressions rather than long conversations.
The final scene, in particular, gives their relationship an emotional conclusion. Netflix Tudum+2
How Is Barry Keoghan’s Duke Different from Conrad Khan’s Duke?
Both actors play the same character, but their versions of Duke appear at very different stages of his life.
| Category | Conrad Khan | Barry Keoghan |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Season 6 | 2026 film |
| Character stage | Young Duke | Older Duke |
| Position | New member of the Shelby family | Leader of the new Peaky Blinders |
| Relationship with Tommy | Newly discovered son | Estranged adult son |
| Story focus | Joining the family business | Family conflict and the Nazi plot |
| Character development | Learning the Shelby way | Making decisions as a leader |
1. Age and experience
Conrad Khan’s Duke is introduced as a young man who has spent much of his life outside the Shelby family. He has survived through theft and is still learning about his father’s world.
Barry Keoghan’s Duke is approximately 25 in the film. He has had time to establish himself and become a recognised leader.
2. Position in the Shelby family
In Season 6, Duke is still discovering what it means to be a Shelby.
In the film, he has already inherited a significant part of the family’s criminal organisation. He is expected to carry the family name and maintain its influence.
3. Role in the story
Conrad Khan’s version helps introduce a new generation of the Shelby family.
Keoghan’s version takes that development further. Duke becomes central to the film’s political conflict, his relationship with Tommy and the future of the gang.
The difference is mainly about character development and the passage of time, rather than a change in Duke’s identity.
Barry Keoghan’s Performance as Duke Shelby
Barry Keoghan brings an unpredictable quality to Duke Shelby. His performance presents a character who can be intimidating, impulsive and emotionally vulnerable.
This combination is important because Duke is not simply another gangster trying to take control of Birmingham. He is also a young man dealing with the absence of his father and the pressure of carrying the Shelby name.
Keoghan’s interpretation fits the character’s position in the story. His Duke has the confidence of someone who controls a gang, but he does not always demonstrate the judgement expected from a leader.
What did critics say about his performance?
Reviews of The Immortal Man offered different assessments of Keoghan’s performance.
Screen International’s review praised his energetic portrayal, noting how he brought some of the intensity associated with Murphy’s earlier performance as Tommy.
Digital Spy also described him as an excellent addition to the film, although its review mentioned some concerns about his accent.
Other reviews were more critical, suggesting that the film did not always give the relationship between Duke and Tommy enough time to develop a convincing shared history.
These mixed reactions are worth considering. Keoghan’s performance was a major part of the film, but not every critic agreed about how successfully the father-and-son storyline worked.
One particularly interesting detail comes from Keoghan’s own comments about the character. In Netflix’s behind-the-scenes discussion, he compared the younger gang members to a pack of hyenas, explaining how naturally and instinctively they operated together.
This description helps explain the aggressive atmosphere surrounding Duke’s new Peaky Blinders. Rotten Tomatoes+1
What Happens to Duke Shelby After The Immortal Man?
Barry Keoghan’s portrayal of Duke Shelby belongs to Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. He is not the actor playing Duke in the later television sequel.
In April 2026, the BBC and Netflix announced that Jamie Bell would take over the role for the next chapter of the franchise.
The sequel series moves the story into the early 1950s, approximately a decade after the events of the film.
Jamie Bell’s Duke is described in the official announcement as older, wiser, more ambitious and more dangerous. The story will follow the next generation of the Shelby family as Birmingham begins rebuilding after the Second World War.
Bell is known for films and television projects including Billy Elliot, Rocketman and All of Us Strangers.
The sequel also features Charlie Heaton as Charles Shelby, Duke’s half-brother.
This casting change is important for readers following the franchise because there are now three actors associated with Duke Shelby:
- Conrad Khan – Duke in Season 6 of the original series.
- Barry Keoghan – Duke in The Immortal Man.
- Jamie Bell – Duke in the later television sequel.
Therefore, Barry Keoghan should not be described as the confirmed Duke Shelby actor for the new sequel series. Netflix Tudum+2
Barry Keoghan’s Career Before Peaky Blinders
Barry Keoghan was already an established film actor before joining the Peaky Blinders universe. His previous performances helped make his casting as Tommy Shelby’s son an interesting development.
Some of his most recognised projects include:
The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
Keoghan played Dominic Kearney in Martin McDonagh’s acclaimed dark comedy. His performance earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Saltburn (2023)
He played Oliver Quick, a university student whose fascination with a wealthy family develops into a disturbing story.
Dunkirk (2017)
Keoghan played George Mills in Christopher Nolan’s Second World War film, where he shared the screen with Cillian Murphy.
These projects demonstrate his experience with complex characters and intense dramatic stories.
His reunion with Murphy in The Immortal Man also creates an interesting connection between their earlier collaboration and their new fictional father-and-son relationship.
For Keoghan, Duke Shelby is another major character in a career that includes independent films, historical dramas and internationally recognised productions.
Learn more about Jacob Elordi’s career in our Jacob Elordi biography.
For more career information, read our article on Jacob Elordi salary per movie.
Fans can also explore Jacob Elordi’s Euphoria Season 3 role.
Frequently Asked Questions About Barry Keoghan and Duke Shelby
Does Barry Keoghan play Duke Shelby in Peaky Blinders?
Yes. Barry Keoghan plays Duke Shelby in the 2026 feature film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. He takes over the role from Conrad Khan, who played Duke in Season 6.
Is Duke Shelby Tommy Shelby’s son?
Yes. Duke is Tommy Shelby’s illegitimate eldest biological son. His mother was a Romani woman named Zelda.
Who played Duke Shelby before Barry Keoghan?
Conrad Khan played the younger version of Duke Shelby in Season 6 of the original Peaky Blinders television series.
Is Barry Keoghan in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man?
Yes. He is one of the film’s principal cast members, playing Duke Shelby alongside Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby.
When was The Immortal Man released on Netflix?
The film arrived on Netflix in the United States on March 20, 2026. It was also released in selected cinemas on March 6, 2026.
Is Barry Keoghan returning as Duke Shelby in the new Peaky Blinders series?
No. Barry Keoghan plays Duke in the film, but Jamie Bell has been cast as Duke for the later television sequel series.
Who plays Duke Shelby in the Peaky Blinders sequel series?
Jamie Bell plays Duke Shelby in the sequel series, which takes place in the early 1950s, around ten years after the events of The Immortal Man.
Conclusion
Barry Keoghan’s portrayal of Duke Shelby introduces an important new chapter in the Peaky Blinders story. The character has developed from a young outsider in Season 6 into the leader of a new generation of Peaky Blinders.
His complicated relationship with Tommy Shelby gives the 2026 film much of its emotional importance. Duke’s decisions, mistakes and eventual reconciliation with his father help bring Tommy’s long journey to an end.
With Jamie Bell taking over the character in the television sequel, Duke Shelby’s story will continue through another generation of the franchise. Keoghan’s performance remains an important part of the transition from Tommy Shelby’s era to the future of the Shelby family.