Hugh Bonneville to Join 'The Gentlemen' for Season 2

One of Netflix's big swings in 2024 was hiring uber-producer Guy Ritchie to create, write, and direct a TV series spinoff/sequel to his film The Gentlemen, which had been a hit in the U.K. when it premiered at the end of 2019, but was eclipsed by the pandemic before it arrived stateside. It was technically a win-win for both parties: Ritchie got a chance to give his film a second shot in the U.S. by backdoor promoting it via the new series, and Netflix got to say they had a series created and directed by Guy Ritchie. However, the series became a bigger win all around when it turned out to be the most-watched series on Netflix in the first half of 2024. A second season was greenlit almost immediately. 

The original film was a British cast (Charlie Hunnam, Henry Golding, Michelle Dockery, Jeremy Strong, Eddie Marsan, Colin Farrell, Hugh Grant), save for American Matthew McConaughey, who played the lead role of Mickey, a Cannabis baron whose operation became the newest way the scions of landed gentry he met while attending Oxford managed to turn their estates into money-makers aimed at keeping up appearances. However, none returned for the series, which focused on a new generation, starring Theo James (Sanditon) as the eldest son, Eddie, who, upon becoming the 14th Duke of Halstead, discovers that his late father's business, which funds the family's lifestyle, is not precisely legal.

Season 1 set up Eddie versus Bobby Glass, played by the legendary Ray Winstone (the original Sexy Beast). Glass is supposedly one of Mickey's closest cohorts; however, Eddie's attempt to take over Glass' part of the empire didn't bring McConaughey around. Instead, with the help of Bobby's daughter Susie, played by Kaya Scodelario (The Pale Horse), and his brother Freddie, played by Daniel Ings (I Hate Suzie), Eddie manages to win the first battle in what will undoubtedly become a larger war.

Here's the Season 2 synopsis:

It’s been one year since Eddie and Susie joined forces to work together in Bobby’s criminal empire overseas. As they drive to expand their enterprise, the decisions Bobby is making seem to be increasingly unsound.  Now Eddie and Susie must decide whether to take action or risk losing it all, but unfettered ambition never ends well…

James, Scodelario, Ings, and Winstone will once again lead the ensemble cast. Also returning for Season 2: Joely Richardson (Ballad of Renegade Nell), Jasmine Blackborow (Marie Antoinette), Pearce Quigley (Showtrial), Vinnie Jones (Elementary), Giancarlo Esposito (Megalopolis), Harry Goodwins (Sunset Drive), Michael Vu (Sumotherhood), and no-longer-quite a newcomer Ruby Sear.

Season 2's significant addition to the cast is PBS fan favorite Hugh Bonneville (Downton Abbey). However, his role has not been disclosed, nor has Netflix confirmed if he is a one-season guest cast or a new permanent part of the show's roster. Other Season 2 newbies include Benjamin Clementine (Blitz), Benedetta Porcaroli (The Leopard), Michele Morrone (Medici), Sergio Castellito (Conclave), Amra Mallassi (Hijack), and Tyler Conti (Departures). Also listed in the cast are British professional boxer Chris Eubank Jr. and TV host Maya Jama, but it is unclear whether they play themselves or not. 

Ritchie once again pens all episodes with co-writer Matthew Read, directs multiple episodes, splitting helming duties with Eran Creevy, with Laura Jackson and Max Keene producing. Ritchie and Read also executive produce with Ivan Atkinson for Miramax TV, and Will Gould, Frith Tiplady & Simon Crawford Collins for Moonage Pictures.

The Gentlemen Season 2 is expected to debut before the end of 2025 on Netflix.