(Credits: Netflix)

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man came on Netflix after a long break and captured the hearts of fans instantly. In fact, for a second there, it really did feel like the story had wrapped up. You see where Tommy Shelby ends up, and that was a clear indication that we can finally say goodbye to his story.

But just when fans start to make up their minds about that… Duke Shelby showed up.

And if you haven’t watched the film yet, you need to know that Barry Keoghan as Duke isn’t introduced in a throwaway way. You can tell, even while watching, that he is not just there to fill space. He is placed into the story with intent. And once you clock that, the film starts to feel more like a setup hiding in plain sight.

Because now Netflix has confirmed it: Peaky Blinders is not done. Not even close. In fact, we’re getting two new series, both set about a decade after the events of The Immortal Man. And the time jump matters more than it sounds. We are now in post–World War II Birmingham, which means the world has changed, and the power people were fighting for has changed too.

And right at the centre of all of this is Duke Shelby. But wait, here’s where things take a turn. Duke is no longer being played by Barry Keoghan. The role has been recast, and now it’s Jamie Bell stepping in. And before you start side-eyeing that decision, think about what it actually tells. This isn’t some minor continuation where he’s doing a cameo. He is the lead now.

The Duke we’re about to see in the new Netflix series is older and smarter. The new series will place him right in the middle of a Birmingham that’s trying to rebuild after the war. Which sounds hopeful until you realise that in this world, rebuilding usually comes with a power struggle attached.

Now, let’s talk about the bigger picture for a second. Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby was the definition of Peaky Blinders. That character wasn’t just the lead; he was the entire tone of the show. So moving away from him? That’s a huge decision.

However, it would be unfair to think that The Immortal Man just dropped Duke into the story randomly. It introduced him with intent. Moreover, he is not the only exciting addition to the series.

Joining Jamie Bell is Charlie Heaton, who is set to play a key figure alongside Duke in this next phase of the Peaky world. And then you have Jessica Brown Findlay, Lashana Lynch, and Lucy Karczewski coming in as well, though their roles are still being kept under wraps, which is very on-brand for the Peaky Blinders franchise.

Behind it all, Steven Knight is still running the show, which is probably the most reassuring part of this entire update. Because no matter how much the characters change, he is the one who really holds Peaky Blinders together.

And then there’s the “two series” part. Because one series? That would’ve felt like a continuation. Two? That’s a plan. Filming is set to take place in Birmingham again, which matters more than it sounds. That city is going to shape everything.

And now the real question is: are you ready to follow Duke Shelby the way you followed Tommy?

Because Netflix is clearly betting that you will.