Barry Keoghan recently addressed the possibility of him taking over Cillian Murphy‘s role as the lead of the Peaky Blinders franchise. In an interview, the actor, who plays Tommy Shelby’s son, Erasmus “Duke” Shelby, in the film The Immortal Man, stressed that succeeding Murphy would be a tall order.
Barry Keoghan on future possibility to lead Peaky Blinders
While speaking with Variety at the premiere of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, which streams on Netflix on March 20, 2026, Barry Keoghan was asked if he was prepared for the possibility of Netflix approaching him with an offer to lead future installments of the franchise. The Saltburn actor replied that director Steven Knight, co-stars Cillian Murphy and Rebecca Ferguson, and other cast members’ involvement in the film was “brilliant.”
However, he admitted that succeeding Murphy’s Shelby as the new lead of the Peaky Blinders franchise was a daunting task. “It’s a lot to follow Tommy Shelby,” he shared. “I don’t even want to attempt that.” Keoghan then teased that Duke Shelby was different from his father.
Netflix previously confirmed that a sequel series was in development. However, it’s unclear if Duke Shelby will serve as the main protagonist in it. What is known is that Murphy will serve as an executive producer alongside Knight.
Last month, Keoghan told Empire Magazine that he harbored a desire to join the Peaky Blinders franchise for a long time, but couldn’t land a part as he never fit the description of any of the characters the creatives were looking for.
He also revealed how he secured the role of Duke. Keoghan said that on Father’s Day, he texted Murphy, and he responded by asking Keoghan if he would be interested in playing Tommy Shelby’s son. The actor recalled responding, “At the drop of a hat, I was like, f—in’ yeah, anything to work with yourself again, and to become part of that universe and that world.”
Keoghan is the second actor to take on the role of Duke Shelby, who was previously played by Conrad Khan in Peaky Blinders Series 6.
Originally reported by Abdul Azim Naushad on ComingSoon.
