Duke Shelby Takes Centre Stage in Peaky Blinders: Keoghan Replaces Khan

Introduction

The return of the Peaky Blinders universe has renewed attention on one of its rising characters: Duke Shelby. The casting of Barry Keoghan as Duke Shelby in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, together with recent promotional material, underlines the character’s growing prominence and the production’s effort to reflect a time jump in the story. For fans and industry observers, the change in casting and the film’s release schedule are key developments ahead of the March screenings and Netflix premiere.

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Casting change and continuity

Promotional coverage explains why Barry Keoghan replaced Conrad Khan as Duke Shelby. The film includes a six-year jump from the Peaky Blinders television finale, and producers judged that Khan — who previously played the younger Duke — was no longer age-appropriate for the older version of the character. Keoghan was selected to fit the role as the story moves forward.

Promotional material and tone

A sneak peek titled “Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man | Sneak Peek | Meet Duke Shelby: Stay down” features Keoghan in character and captures a tougher, more central presence for Duke Shelby. Stills accompanying the promotion show Keoghan holding a glass of whiskey, while other images recall Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby with the younger Duke (portrayed by Conrad Khan) — emphasising the continuity between the series and the new film.

Release details and positioning

The film is being presented as a notable moment for the franchise. It is described as a send-off for Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby, while also signalling “It’s Duke Shelby’s time to take the crown,” a line used in promotional copy. Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man will be released in select cinemas on 6 March and will arrive on Netflix on 20 March 2026, giving audiences both theatrical and streaming opportunities to see the new interpretation of Duke Shelby.

Conclusion

Barry Keoghan’s casting as Duke Shelby marks a deliberate choice to reflect the story’s time jump and to place the character in a larger role as the franchise moves into its next phase. With theatrical showings on 6 March and a Netflix debut on 20 March 2026, viewers can expect widespread access to the film. For fans of Peaky Blinders, the change signals fresh dynamics within the Shelby saga and a transition that could reshape how the next chapter of the narrative is received.