‘The Gentlemen’: Is the Show a Prequel, Sequel, Spin-off, or Remake?
Back in 2019, Guy Ritchie gave us ‘The Gentlemen’, a slick crime flick that had Matthew McConaughey running a cannabis empire in London’s underworld. It was a hit with its sharp dialogue and twisty plot, leaving us wondering what else could unfold in that world. Fast forward to March 2025, and we’ve got a new Netflix series also called ‘The Gentlemen’, this time with Theo James stepping into the spotlight. It’s got a fresh story but feels tied to the movie somehow, sparking chatter about what it really is.
I’ve been digging into this, and it’s clear the show isn’t just a repeat of the film. It’s not like they’re picking up exactly where McConaughey’s character, Mickey Pearson, left off, nor is it rewinding to show us how he got started. Instead, it’s a new tale with new faces, but it’s still got that Guy Ritchie vibe – fast-talking gangsters, shady deals, and a dash of humor. So, let’s break it down and figure out where this series fits.
A New Story, Not a Sequel
The Netflix series introduces us to Eddie Horniman, played by Theo James, a guy who inherits his dad’s fancy estate only to find it’s hiding a weed business. Sound familiar? It’s got echoes of the movie, where Mickey Pearson built his empire under aristocratic land, but that’s where the overlap stops. Eddie’s not chasing Mickey’s legacy, and none of the film’s big names – think Colin Farrell or Hugh Grant – pop up here. This isn’t a sequel following the original crew.
What’s cool is how it keeps the spirit of the film alive without copying it. Eddie’s a former soldier, not a seasoned crook like Mickey, and he’s got his own mess to sort out with a cast of fresh characters. Guy Ritchie’s said this is about expanding the world he created, not extending the exact story. So, while it’s set in the same universe, it’s a standalone adventure, not a next chapter.
Not a Prequel Either
Could it be a prequel showing how the cannabis game kicked off? Nope, that’s not it either. The movie gave us Mickey Pearson as a fully formed kingpin, and we didn’t need his origin story spelled out. The series doesn’t rewind to those days or try to set up how he got there. Eddie Horniman’s tale is happening now, in 2025, with no hints it’s laying groundwork for the 2019 film.
Time-wise, it’s a modern story – think sleek cars and current slang, not a flashback to older times. Theo James brings a new energy as Eddie, stumbling into crime rather than building it from scratch. There’s no young Mickey cameo or nods to his past. It’s a different angle, not a look back.
Spin-off Fits Best
Here’s where it clicks – ‘The Gentlemen’ series is a spin-off. It takes the movie’s world of posh estates and dirty money and runs with a brand-new plot. Eddie’s estate might remind you of Mickey’s setup, but it’s a different place with different players. Kaya Scodelario as Susie Glass, the sharp-edged daughter of a crime boss, adds a fresh dynamic alongside Daniel Ings as Eddie’s wild brother Freddy.
Guy Ritchie’s kept the tone we loved – gritty, funny, and fast – but he’s swapped out the old gang for a new crew. Think of it like a side story in the same playground. The show’s not tied to the film’s events but borrows its flavor, making it a spin-off that stands on its own. It’s less about remaking or continuing and more about exploring a new corner of Ritchie’s criminal sandbox.
Definitely Not a Remake
A remake would mean redoing the movie beat for beat, just with a new cast or a TV twist. That’s not what’s happening here. The 2019 film had Mickey Pearson dodging rivals to sell his empire, while the series has Eddie tripping into a weed operation he never wanted. The stakes, the people, the whole vibe – they’re distinct.
Sure, both have that cannabis-under-the-manor idea, but it’s handled differently. The movie was a tight, two-hour rollercoaster. The series stretches out over eight episodes, giving Eddie and his crew room to grow. It’s not rehashing the old tale – it’s a fresh take with its own punch, proving it’s no remake.