Four years after ‘Peaky Blinders‘ left a huge void in fans’ hearts, the beloved gangster saga is finally returning, this time with a final film. Titled ‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man,’ the movie is set to close the Shelby family saga that turned into a full-blown TV phenomenon.
The trailer absolutely delivers on the hype, teasing major plot details that have fans spiraling in excitement. Of course, Cillian Murphy returns to action as the iconic Thomas Shelby. But the trailer also confirms a surprising shake-up: Tommy’s son Duke is returning as a major player, and he’s been recast.
Barry Keoghan Replaces Conrad Khan as Duke Shelby in the ‘Peaky Blinders’ Movie
Duke Shelby became a core part of the ‘Peaky Blinders‘ storyline as Tommy’s long-lost son and the potential heir to his empire. In the TV series, the character was played by Conrad Khan. But as Duke makes his triumphant return in the upcoming film, the role will now be played by BAFTA winner Barry Keoghan.
Related: Cillian Murphy Nearly Lost ‘Peaky Blinders’ To Jason Statham. Here’s How He Became Tommy Shelby
Conrad Khan memorably portrayed the brash and impulsive Erasmus “Duke” Shelby when the character was introduced in Season 6. His arrival shocked everyone, including Tommy himself, after Esme finally revealed the truth. Duke was conceived before Tommy left for World War I in 1914. Though his illegitimacy was met with scorn by the Shelbys, Tommy ultimately accepted him, still reeling from the devastating loss of his daughter.
Now, with Keoghan seemingly bringing a more rebellious edge to Duke, the stage is set for something explosive: a father-son showdown in ‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man.’
Tommy Shelby Goes to War Against His Son
In the trailer, Ada suggests that Duke is running the Peaky Blinders like it’s 1919 all over again. And yes, there’s violence, and a ruthless hunger for power. Tommy Shelby may have stepped away from that life, but he can’t ignore his son’s reckless descent into madness. This time, Tommy returns not just to reclaim respect, but to save his city from the mayhem his own flesh and blood may unleash.
In case you missed it: Cillian Murphy Opens Up About The Painful Reason He Can’t Rewatch ‘Peaky Blinders’
In the 1940s setting of the film, Thomas Shelby also appears noticeably different in tone compared to the series. He’s colder, heavier, and visibly haunted. He insists he is no longer the same man. Series creator Steven Knight gave an insight into Tommy’s current mindset: “He’s withdrawn from the world. He’s haunted by his life and the things he’s done.”
Still, despite everything, Tommy has always been driven by family, and that sense of responsibility resurfaces when he’s pulled back into the world he tried to escape. The Great War may have eaten away at his soul, but his ambition carried him to great stature, first on the streets and later in Parliament. In ‘The Immortal Man,’ fascism rises again during World War II—the same enemy he once fought when it wore the face of Oswald Mosley.
So, as Knight put it about Tommy’s return, “For family, he’s invited to come back to the world and save his son.” The film is undoubtedly a brutal generational clash, unfolding as the world plunges into its darkest chapter at the behest of Adolf Hitler.
‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man’ is scheduled to release in select theatres on March 6, followed by its Netflix release on March 20.
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