In June 2023, Barry Keoghan reached out to Cillian Murphy with a Father’s Day message, rekindling their connection after co-starring in the film Dunkirk six years earlier. Keoghan expressed admiration for Murphy and Colin Farrell, stating, “Cillian and Colin are people I admire greatly and always keep in touch with.” Shortly after, Murphy responded with an unexpected proposal: “Thank you. Would you like to play my son in Peaky Blinders the movie?” This marked the beginning of an exciting collaboration for the long-awaited film, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man.
While Keoghan recounted the story with enthusiasm, Murphy has a slightly different memory, suggesting he was the one who initiated the contact. Regardless, Murphy was adamant that Keoghan was his first choice to portray Duke Shelby, the wayward son of his character, Tommy Shelby. “Barry’s a firecracker – put a camera on him and all of a sudden he’s riveting,” Murphy remarked, noting Keoghan’s unique blend of danger and vulnerability, which he believes is essential for Duke’s character.
The film continues the story of Tommy Shelby, picking up six years after the series finale in 2022, where Tommy had faced numerous challenges, including battling Oswald Mosley and dealing with the ramifications of his family tragedy. The new movie is set against the backdrop of World War II in 1940, where Tommy finds himself isolated in his country home, haunted by memories and visions of his deceased relatives, while Keoghan’s Duke has taken the reins of the family business.
The Evolution of Duke Shelby
Duke Shelby, previously portrayed by Conrad Khan in the show’s sixth season, is now characterized by a ruthless edge under Keoghan’s portrayal. The film depicts Duke as a cunning operator who has struck a deal with a British Nazi agent, John Beckett, played by Tim Roth. Their scheme involves flooding Britain with counterfeit money to benefit the Nazi regime. Keoghan’s first introduction to this dark persona involves a visceral scene where Duke brutally confronts a police officer, setting the tone for his character’s unscrupulous nature.
Keoghan, a dedicated fan of the series, felt the weight of expectations from the show’s passionate fanbase. He humorously noted that naming his dog Duke even before his casting showcased his long-standing connection to the character. “I understand there’s a wild fanbase and they will have expectations of this film,” he shared, emphasizing the welcoming environment he experienced on set, especially while working alongside Murphy.
Behind the Scenes: The Pigsty Fight
The filming process wasn’t without its challenges, notably during Keoghan’s first scene with Murphy, which took place in a pigsty. Reflecting on the experience, Murphy commented, “No, it was shit. Pigs shit a lot,” recalling the messy and uncomfortable conditions they endured. Keoghan humorously added, “I cracked all my knuckles open, too,” explaining that he wanted to channel his energy into the fight scene. The physicality of that first day left a lasting impression on him, as he remarked on how Murphy had fully transformed into Tommy Shelby, making him feel both excited and intimidated.
The Legacy of Peaky Blinders
Since its debut, Peaky Blinders has transformed from a cult hit into a global sensation, largely due to word-of-mouth popularity. The show initially attracted just over 2 million viewers but peaked at nearly 6 million. Murphy attributed much of its success to the fans, recalling how the BBC provided minimal promotional support. “The success is entirely fan-generated,” he noted, reflecting on the show’s organic rise to fame.
As the show gained traction, it became available on Netflix, expanding its reach to a global audience. The series has left a significant cultural impact, influencing everything from popular baby names in the UK to even inspiring a division of the Ukrainian national guard, which adopted the Peaky-style baker boy hats. Notably, the name Arthur, Tommy’s elder brother, surged in popularity, ranking as the fourth most popular boys’ name in 2024.
In addition to its cultural influence, the series has attracted high-profile interest, including from Snoop Dogg, who expressed a desire to meet the show’s creator, Steven Knight, to discuss the parallels between the Peaky Blinders and his own past experiences. Even Brad Pitt expressed interest in joining the cast at one point.
What’s Next for Peaky Blinders?
The upcoming film, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, is set to hit theaters on March 6, 2026, before becoming available on Netflix on March 20, 2026. This film serves as a final chapter for the beloved characters, but the franchise is far from over. A new 1950s-set spin-off is currently in production, promising to continue the legacy of the Shelby family and their tumultuous world.
As fans eagerly await the film’s release, the anticipation continues to build for what this final cinematic experience will bring to the iconic story. The blending of historical context with intense character drama has kept audiences engaged for years, and this film is set to deliver a compelling conclusion to Tommy Shelby’s saga.
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