Barry Keoghan on Joining the Peaky Blinders Family and the Emotional Weight of ‘The Immortal Man’

Barry Keoghan has long desired a role in the Peaky Blinders universe, and his dedication paid off with a pivotal part in the new film, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. Keoghan portrays Duke Shelby, the violent and complex son of Tommy Shelby, a character who takes control of the Peaky Blinders during his father’s absence.

A Long-Held Ambition

The actor, a self-described “massive fan” of the series, actively pursued a role for years, regularly reaching out to casting director Shaheen Baig. “I’m a massive fan, I was always asking Shaheen Baig, who casts the show, ‘Is there anything there I can do?’” he explained. His persistence ultimately led to the role of Duke Shelby, a character born from a relationship between Tommy Shelby and a Romany woman named Zelda before Tommy went to the Western Front.

Duke Shelby: A Search for Identity and Approval

Duke Shelby is 25 years old when the film begins, set on the eve of World War II. Keoghan, at 33, felt he could embody the character’s youthfulness, drawing on past roles like Dominic Kearney in The Banshees of Inisherin (2022) and Oliver Quick in Saltburn (2023). Keoghan describes Duke as “a lad searching for his father and a lad sticking on a mask, a façade,” a dynamic that deeply resonated with him and allowed him to draw upon personal experiences.

A Father’s Day Connection

Remarkably, Keoghan secured the role after a simple Father’s Day message to Cillian Murphy. “I sent a message to Cillian on Father’s Day and said, ‘Happy Father’s Day,’” Keoghan recounted. Murphy responded with a reciprocal greeting and then inquired if Keoghan would like to play his son, Duke. Keoghan expressed his gratitude for the unconventional path to the role, stating, “I’m glad that I waited and it came around in such a magical way.”

The Emotional Core of the Film

Keoghan emphasized that The Immortal Man is fundamentally “the story of family,” and he found the dynamic between Tommy and Duke particularly moving. He related to the complexities of the father-son relationship, especially given his own experiences as a father. He too noted the emotional impact of filming alongside Murphy, saying, “I was really moved by the journey alongside Cillian, the dynamics of us playing a father with his son.”

Navigating the Established Peaky Blinders World

Joining the established cast and crew was initially nerve-wracking for Keoghan. He described the experience of seeing Cillian Murphy transform into Tommy Shelby as “nerve-racking,” but also expressed his warmth at Murphy’s welcoming demeanor. Keoghan expressed his admiration for Murphy, calling him “the pinnacle and the peak of what we Irish actors wish to become.”

Future Projects and the Allure of Irish Talent

Keoghan is currently filming Sam Mendes’s four-film project about The Beatles, where he plays Ringo Starr alongside Paul Mescal as Paul McCartney. He attributes the success of Irish actors to a certain “charm” and “mythology” that resonates globally, while acknowledging that this charm doesn’t always translate back home in Ireland.

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is currently in select UK cinemas and is available to stream on Netflix from March 20, 2026 [Radio Times].