Guy Ritchie's The Gentlemen show takes place in the same universe as the original 2019 movie but introduces a new set of characters portrayed by a talented cast. The series, available on Netflix, shares similarities in narrative and themes with the original film but tells a standalone story across eight episodes. As expected from a Guy Ritchie production, The Gentlemen features sharp dialogue, complex storytelling, seamless edits, and well-developed characters.
While the show may not have as much action as some of Ritchie's other works, it compensates with intriguing political undertones. This shift in storytelling focus makes Netflix's The Gentlemen more character-driven compared to the director's previous movies. Given the importance of the characters and the actors who portray them, viewers may find themselves curious about the casting choices and how each character fits into the overarching narrative of the series.
Theo James as Eddie Halstead
Best known for the Divergent movie series
Theo James sits on a couch in a suit in The Gentlemen series - Best known for the Divergent movie series - Theo James as Eddie Halstead
Theo James, born on 16 December 1984 in High Wycombe, is of Greek and Scottish descent and grew up in Askett. He kickstarted his acting career after graduating from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, landing his first role in the TV series A Passionate Woman in 2010. While he appeared in various shows and movies, it was his performance as Tobias "Four" Eaton in Divergent that truly propelled him to stardom.
Notable movies & TV shows: Theo James gained recognition for his roles in the Divergent film series, playing a leading role in The Divergent Series: Insurgent and The Divergent Series: Allegiant. He also starred as Henry DeTamble in The Time Traveler's Wife and as Cameron Sullivan in The White Lotus.
Character: In The Gentlemen, Theo James portrays Eddie Halstead, who inherits the title of "Duke of Halstead" and a vast estate from his late father. However, his happiness is short-lived when he discovers his brother's debt and a hidden drug empire on the property. Despite feeling overwhelmed, Eddie learns to face these challenges and embrace his new role as the Duke.
Kaya Scodelario as Susie Glass
Best known for roles in Skins, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Maze Runne
Kaya Scodelario wears a coat as she walks away from a car in The Gentlemen series - Best known for roles in Skins, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Maze Runne - Kaya Scodelario as Susie Glass
Kaya Rose Scodelario-Davis, born on 13 March 1992 in Haywards Heath, West Sussex, is an actress who started acting at a young age through school plays. Despite not having any professional acting background, she got her big break in the British series Skins. Her role as Effy Stonem in seasons 3 and 4 of the show catapulted her to fame.
Kaya Scodelario gained immense acclaim and fame at a young age for her role as Effy. This led to her landing roles in popular movie franchises like Pirates of the Caribbean and The Maze Runner. In 2020, she starred in Netflix's ice-skating drama Spinning Out and played Claire Redfield in Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City.
In Netflix's The Gentlemen, Scodelario portrays Susie Glass, the daughter of Bobby Glass. While her father is in prison, she fearlessly takes care of his drug empire. When Eddie inherits his father's property and gets entangled in shady business dealings, Susie helps him navigate the murky world of underworld politics.
Giancarlo Esposito as Stanley Johnston
Best known for antagonistic roles in Breaking Bad and The Boys
Giancarlo Espocito as Stanley Johnston in The Gentlemen - Best known for antagonistic roles in Breaking Bad and The Boys - Giancarlo Esposito as Stanley Johnston
Actor: Giancarlo Esposito was born in Copenhagen, Denmark, but moved to Manhattan with his family at the age of six. Even though he began acting in the early 1950s, it wasn't until 1988 that he gained widespread fame. His breakthrough role came in Spike Lee's film School Daze, where he played the leader of the black fraternity "Gamma Phi Gamma."
Notable movies & TV shows:
Giancarlo Esposito has played diverse roles over the years, but he is best known for his portrayal of antagonists. His most iconic role is Gustavo "Gus" Fring in the hit television series Breaking Bad. Esposito has further solidified his reputation as an ideal villain with his roles as Moff Gideon in The Mandalorian and Stan Edgar in The Boys.
Ray Winstone as Bobby Glass
Character: Ray Winstone portrays the character of Bobby Glass in The Gentlemen. Bobby is the target of Giancarlo Esposito's antagonist character, who is determined to take over Bobby's business. Bobby is an American businessman who, similar to Esposito's character in Breaking Bad, already runs his own meth empire. However, he is now looking to expand his business and views Eddie's estate as a potential opportunity to do so.
Best known for The Departed, Beowulf, and Black Widow
Ray Winstone turning around in The Gentlemen - Best known for The Departed, Beowulf, and Black Widow - Ray Winstone as Bobby Glass
Actor: Ray Winstone was born on 19 February 1957 in London. Before becoming an actor, he spent nearly a decade as a professional boxer. Transitioning to acting, he attended the Corona Stage Academy in Hammersmith during his later teenage years. His breakthrough role came in the 1980s when he played Will Scarlet in Robin of Sherwood.
Notable movies & TV shows: Throughout his career, Winstone has collaborated with esteemed directors such as Steven Spielberg and Martin Scorsese. While he has taken on various roles, he is most recognized for his tough and rugged characters like Mr. French in The Departed, Gort in Snow White and the Huntsmen, and the lead role in Beowulf. He is also remembered for his portrayal of Dreykov in the Marvel Cinematic Universe's Black Widow.
The Gentlemen Supporting Cast & Characters
In the movie "The Gentlemen," Ray Winstone portrays the character Bobby Glass, also known as The Gentlemen. Bobby runs his marijuana empire from the comfort of his prison cell, pulling the strings behind the scenes. He cleverly uses the abundance of land owned by the British aristocracy to expand his drug business. In return for using their land, Bobby shares his profits with the aristocracy, creating a mutually beneficial relationship that helps him grow his empire.
Daniel Ings points both of his index fingers in The Gentlemen series - The Gentlemen Supporting Cast & Characters
Daniel Ings as Freddy Halstead: Best known for playing Luke in Lovesick and Mike Parker in The Queen, Daniel Ings plays Eddie's brother, Freddy, in The Gentlemen.
Vinnie Jones stars as Geoff Seacombe in The Gentlemen. Known for his roles in Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, X-Men: The Last Stand, and Gone in 60 Seconds, Jones portrays the character of the "Gamekeeper" in Guy Ritchie's film.
Max Beesley takes on the role of Henry Collins in The Gentlemen. Beesley, recognized for his work in The Outsider, Suits, Hijack, and Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, plays the character of a boxing promoter. Initially, Collins promises to help Eddie launder money but later has his sights set on acquiring Bobby Glass' business.
Harry Goodwins plays the role of Jack in The Gentlemen. Jack is Susie's younger brother and Bobby's son. Prior to his appearance in Guy Ritchie's series, Goodwins acted in short films such as Sunset Drive and Contrariety.
Portraying Lady Sabrina Halstead in The Gentlemen is Joely Richardson. She is the mother of Eddie and Freddy in the film. Richardson is best known for her roles in movies like The Patriot, 101 Dalmatians, The Blacklist, and Lady Chatterley.
The Gentlemen's season 1 is available on Netflix for streaming.
Editor's P/S:
Guy Ritchie's "The Gentlemen" on Netflix offers a refreshing take on the director's signature style. While maintaining the witty dialogue, complex storytelling, and stylish visuals, the show delves deeper into character development and political intrigue compared to Ritchie's previous works. The talented cast, including Theo James, Kaya Scodelario, Giancarlo Esposito, and Ray Winstone, brings depth and nuance to their roles, making the characters a central focus of the narrative.
The series explores the intricate relationships between its characters and the power dynamics within the criminal underworld. Esposito's enigmatic villain and Winstone's shrewd businessman engage in a tense battle of wits, while Scodelario's fearless Susie navigates the dangerous world with determination. James' portrayal of Eddie Halstead adds a layer of vulnerability and growth as he grapples with the challenges of his newfound inheritance. Overall, "The Gentlemen" is a captivating and character-driven crime drama that showcases Guy Ritchie's storytelling prowess and the talents of its exceptional cast.