When Barry Keoghan claimed to be a “massive gamer” with a PSP copy of The Simpsons: Hit & Run during a KISS FM interview, Peaky Blinders fans swiftly debunked him—the game never released on Sony’s handheld. This instant viral correction underscores how social media now polices celebrity narratives in real-time, blurring lines between fan passion and public accountability.
Barry Keoghan, the Irish actor stepping into the iconic role of Duke Shelby in Netflix’s Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man (set for March 20, 2026), found himself at the center of an unexpected digital firestorm this week. During a lighthearted interview on KISS FM with hosts Tyler West and Chloe Burrows, Keoghan delved into his character’s inherited criminal empire in World War II-era Birmingham and, in a moment of casual rapport, touted his gaming credentials.
“I have this PSP, and I have The Simpsons: Hit & Run on it. I love Pokémon as well. I love FireRed. I’m a big gamer,” Keoghan exuberantly stated, painting a picture of a star who balances blockbuster filming with handheld gaming sessions[1]. The remark, intended to humanize the Oscar-nominated actor, instead ignited a meticulous fact-checking frenzy among his followers.
The interview, later amplified across social platforms, included Keoghan’s reflections on mastering the Birmingham accent for Peaky Blinders and teasing the upcoming film’s narrative. But the gaming tangent proved to be the most resonant—and problematic—moment. For a generation raised on early 2000s consoles, The Simpsons: Hit & Run is a beloved open-world title originally released for PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube in 2003. Its absence from Sony’s PSP library is a well-documented footnote in gaming history.
Within minutes, X (formerly Twitter) lit up with corrections. One user directly labeled Keoghan a “fraud”, highlighting that The Simpsons: Hit & Run “never came out for PSP”[2]. Another mocked, “Big fan of him owning a game that never existed,” while others challenged him to name more contemporary titles to validate his “big gamer” status[3][4]. The backlash wasn’t merely pedantic; it touched a nerve about authenticity in celebrity fandom.
As of this reporting, neither Keoghan nor his representatives have issued a clarification, leaving the comments section of his social media and fan forums to dissect the discrepancy. The incident, while seemingly minor, reveals a shifting dynamic where fan expertise—especially in specialized domains like vintage gaming—can instantly interrogate and correct even A-list celebrities. It’s a testament to the democratization of knowledge and the high stakes of casual commentary in the digital age.
Why This Matters: The New Reality of Celebrity Credibility
This episode transcends a simple factual error. It encapsulates a broader shift where social media acts as an instantaneous, crowd-sourced truth arbiters. For celebrities, every offhand comment is now a potential audit trail. Keoghan’s mistake—confusing a console release—is trivial in isolation, but it signals how fan communities, armed with encyclopedic knowledge of niche interests, can hold stars accountable in ways traditional media never could.
The incident also highlights the delicate balance actors must strike when cultivating “relatable” personas. In promoting Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, Keoghan’s attempt to bond over gaming backfired because his evidence was factually flawed. In an era where authenticity is currency, verifiable details matter more than vapid endorsements. For Peaky Blinders fans, many of whom are gaming enthusiasts, the gaffe felt like a breach of trust—a star claiming insider status without the pedigree.
Context: Keoghan’s Peaky Blinders Ascent and the Franchise’s Momentum
Barry Keoghan’s casting as Duke Shelby positions him at the helm of one of television’s most stylized crime sagas. Taking over from Cillian Murphy‘s Tommy Shelby is a formidable challenge, and the upcoming Netflix film represents a major franchise expansion. The interview on KISS FM was part of a broader promotional push, with Keoghan also discussing accent work and the film’s World War II setting[1].
Yet, the gaming tangent has inadvertently dominated the conversation, underscoring how quickly ancillary remarks can overshadow core messaging in the attention economy. For a project banking on legacy and intensity, a playful but incorrect gaming reference risks trivializing Keoghan’s earnest approach to the role. The franchise’s loyal base, known for its protective devotion, now has fresh ammunition for both critique and memes.
Fan Culture: Passion, Pedantry, or Both?
The fan reaction was swift, merciless, and deeply knowledgeable. Responses weren’t just about schadenfreude; they reflected a community proud of its historical accuracy. Gaming forums have long debated platform exclusives, and the PSP library is a well-mapped territory. Keoghan’s error—mixing up a PS2/Xbox/GameCube title with a Sony handheld—is a classic conflation that any dedicated retro gamer would spot.
This dynamic is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it empowers fans to correct misinformation and demand rigor from public figures. On the other, it can create a climate where celebrities self-censor or avoid niche interests for fear of pedantic fallout. For Keoghan, the lesson is clear: in the digital age, claiming fandom requires evidence.
Will this controversy fade, or will it follow Keoghan into Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man promotions? Given the internet’s long memory, he may face recurring jokes or heightened skepticism during future interviews. A simple clarification—perhaps a video of him playing a legitimate PSP game—could quell the storm, but silence may only prolong it.
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