Jamie Bell Cast as Duke Shelby in Peaky Blinders Sequel Series

Netflix has confirmed a major casting change for the next chapter of Peaky Blinders. On April 3, 2026, the platform and series creator Steven Knight announced that Jamie Bell will take over the role of Duke Shelby in the upcoming sequel series, replacing Barry Keoghan.

Keoghan recently portrayed Tommy Shelby’s son in the film Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, which was released in March 2026. However, the new series will move the story forward by about a decade, prompting the recast.

The sequel is set in the early 1950s, after the events of World War II. This time jump means Duke Shelby will be older and more experienced. According to the creators, the character will be more calculating and dangerous as he steps into a leadership role within the Shelby family. Jamie Bell, 40, has been cast to reflect this more mature version of the character.

The story will take place in post-war Birmingham and focus on the effort to rebuild the city. Steven Knight has described this period as a “brutal contest,” suggesting a continuation of the show’s themes of power struggles and crime.

Netflix has ordered two seasons of the new series, with six episodes in each. Alongside Bell, the cast will include Charlie Heaton, Jessica Brown Findlay, Lashana Lynch, and Lucy Karczewski.

This marks the third time Duke Shelby has been recast in recent years. Conrad Khan first introduced the character in the final season of the original series. Barry Keoghan then played him in the 2026 film. Jamie Bell will now take over as the character enters a new phase.

Cillian Murphy, who played Tommy Shelby, is not expected to appear on screen in the new series following the events of the film. However, he will remain involved behind the scenes as an executive producer.

Steven Knight said he is pleased with the casting and sees Bell as a strong fit to lead the story into its next era.