"Welcome to the jungle." That's how The Gentlemen, the new Netflix series that portrays the distinguished but dangerous world of English drugs and organized crime, self-identifies. Created, directed and co-written by Guy Ritchie (Sherlock Holmes), the production is derived from the 2019 film of the same name, which was a hit at the box office and among critics. It will release next March and promises to be a contender for major Peaky Blinders titles.
At the center of the plot is Eddie Horniman, played by Theo James (The White Lotus, Divergent), who becomes the Duke of Halstead after unexpectedly inheriting his father's vast estate. To his surprise, such land includes a cannabis empire that drags him into the pits of the criminal underworld. Trying to keep his family on the sidelines, the new aristocrat maneuvers the reins of the illegal business while meddling in the underbelly of crime.
Among the cast, Ray Winstone (Beowulf) takes on the role of Bobby Glass, founder and still influential head of the drug business. Kaya Scodelario (Maze Runner) plays Susie Glass, his daughter and leader of day-to-day operations at the company. Both characters complexify the dynamics of power and ambition. The other actors of the cast are; Daniel Ings, Joely Richardson, Vinnie Jones, Giancarlo Esposito, Chanel Cresswell, Michael Vu, Max Beesley, Jasmine Blackborow, Harry Goodwins, Dar Salim, Pearce Quigley, Ruby Sear and Peter Serafinowicz.
Ritchie retakes the director's baton, at least for the first two episodes of the project, thus ensuring continuity in the narrative style. He also shares scripting and executive producing roles with Matthew Read (Peaky Blinders).
The Gentlemen will premiere next March 2024 via Netflix.