Peaky Blinders Film Recasts Duke Shelby: Barry Keoghan Replaces Conrad Khan
Peaky Blinders enthusiasts have been left puzzled by a significant casting change in the highly anticipated new film. Barry Keoghan, acclaimed for his role in Saltburn, has taken over the character of Duke Shelby, replacing original actor Conrad Khan from the television series.
Who Is Duke Shelby in the Peaky Blinders Universe?
Duke Shelby is Tommy Shelby's son, born from a brief affair with a Romani woman named Zelda in 1914, just before Tommy departed for World War I. Tommy only discovered Duke's existence later through John Shelby's wife, Esme, who revealed that Zelda had passed away and that Duke was living as a thief seeking a better life.
Tommy brought his son into the Shelby family fold, offering Duke a place in the business despite initial reluctance. Tommy explained that Duke would handle the dark aspects of their operations, while his other son, Charles Shelby, would manage the light side.
Following Tommy's mysterious disappearance in 1934, Duke assumed control of the Peaky Blinders, maintaining the gang's brutal reputation reminiscent of their 1919 heyday. His aggressive overhaul of the family enterprise ultimately prompted Tommy to come out of retirement and return to his former mafia lifestyle.
Why Was Conrad Khan Replaced as Duke Shelby?
Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight has addressed the actor change from the BBC television series to the film adaptation. In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Knight praised Keoghan's casting, stating, "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."
Knight's comments suggest that the portrayal of Duke in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man differs significantly from the television series version. The recasting appears to be driven by both the substantial time jump in the film's narrative and the evolution of Duke's character over the years.
About the New Peaky Blinders Film
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man has recently premiered in select cinemas, featuring a stellar cast led by Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby. The film includes a substantial time leap, transporting audiences to Birmingham in 1940 during World War II, with Tommy being pulled out of retirement.
Many fans have expressed concerns about whether they need to watch the television series first to understand the film. The movie is currently streaming in cinemas and is scheduled for release on Netflix on March 20, 2026.
The casting change has sparked considerable discussion among the Peaky Blinders fan community, with many eager to see how Barry Keoghan's interpretation of Duke Shelby compares to Conrad Khan's original television portrayal.
