Fans of Guy Ritchie, assemble: the filmmaker is back with a new crime caper on Netflix named The Gentlemen – the same title as his 2020 movie.

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Starring The White Lotus's Theo James, the new series follows Eddie Horniman, a British soldier who finds himself burdened with a cannabis empire after inheriting his father's country estate.

He's soon thrust into the dangerous criminal underworld and forced to interact with a handful of unsavoury characters.

So, how is the new series connected to the film version, and do they share any cast members or characters? Read on for everything you need to know.

Is the Gentleman series based on the original movie?

Jasmine Blackborow as Charly and Theo James as Eddie, wearing all black and standing next to one another under an umbrella
Theo James as Eddie and Jasmine Blackborow as Charly. Netflix

The new series is set in the same world as the film, and shares some themes and a similar central set-up, but there's no connection to the previous characters.

The film version starred Matthew McConaughey as Mickey Pearson, a cannabis baron who was growing his product under the estates of aristocrats, all of whom needed cash for the upkeep of their stately homes.

The series, meanwhile, follows one of those aristocrats, whose land is being used by a different cannabis baron in the same way.

Speaking about how the new series is set in the same world as the film, Ritchie previously told Netflix Tudum: "We’re looking forward to bringing fans back into that world, introducing new characters and their stories, and I am excited to be doing it with this extremely talented cast."

Meanwhile Daniel Ings, who plays Freddie Horniman in the series, spoke with RadioTimes.com exclusively, and explained how he would describe the connection between the show and the film.

He said: "I would say that it kind of shares the DNA of the movie. It takes that idea of gangsters getting into bed with, going into business with the rich aristocracy, who have these huge empires and all this land, but really no cash, no disposable cash, so they're leasing the land.

"And I think it takes that idea from the movie and expands on it and goes, 'Well, who are these people that have these crumbling empires and who are clinging on to the past, but need these gangsters, need these modern criminals in order to stay afloat?'

"So, it's obviously a key part of the film, but the series I think takes that element of it and grows it like a fine weed farm."

Meanwhile, Max Beesley, who plays Henry Collins in the show, added: "The only similar nuance is the drug, really... the marijuana. I think it's a different beast, but there are the same nuances in there.

"There is comedy, there's action, there's drama in there, but we've got new characters introduced, new actors introduced, who all in their own right are terrific, strong, strong performers.

"And so, for fans of the film, they're getting a double bubble, really, but they're getting eight episodes, which is terrific."

Do any of the stars of The Gentlemen film appear in the series?

Matthew McConaughey in The Gentlemen (2020)
Matthew McConaughey in The Gentlemen (2020). Miramax/YouTube

No, they don't. While some fans may have been hoping for a cameo from Matthew McConaughey's Mickey or Michelle Dockery as Rosalind, neither appear, and nor do any of the film's other stars or characters.

The show is, instead, a complete clean slate, starring the likes of Theo James, Kaya Scodelario, Daniel Ings, Joely Richardson, Vinnie Jones, Ray Winstone, Max Beesley and Giancarlo Esposito.

The Gentlemen is available to stream on Netflix now. Sign up for Netflix from £4.99 a month. Netflix is also available on Sky Glass and Virgin Media Stream.

Check out more of our Drama coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on.

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Authors

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

Molly MossTrends Writer

Molly Moss is a Trends Writer for Radio Times, covering the latest trends across TV, film and more. She has an MA in Newspaper Journalism and has previously written for publications including The Guardian, The Times and The Sun Online.

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