“It’s the kind of thing you just have to go in guns blazing and hope for the best”: James McArdle, Sarah Greene, Emun Elliott, Tamsin Greig and Stephen Moyer on Sexy Beast

It’s perhaps hard to believe now, looking back, that the iconic 2000 movie Sexy Beast was his feature directorial debut. With the current trend for all things retro though, now does seem the apt moment to take a leap back in time to imagine the origins of those characters, Gal Dove and Don Logan, so memorably taken on by Ray Winstone and Ben Kingsley.

And so that’s just what this new Paramount+ show aims to do, delving its audience into the criminal underbelly of east London in the 90s. James McArdle and Emun Elliott now play Gal and Don, and we follow their tumultuous relationship as they attempt to send through the ranks of the city’s gangsters and find themselves embroiled in a high-stakes heist orchestrated by the ambitious criminal upstart Teddy Bass, portrayed here by True Blood‘s Stephen Moyer. As both a breather from and adding to the mayhem, Gal falls for the captivating adult film star Deedee, played by Sarah Greene, while, Tamsin Greig delivers a powerful performance as Don’s formidable older sister, Celia, whose influence cannot be underestimated. Filmed in Liverpool, Sexy Beast is a gritty exploration of friendship, power and the seductive lure of a life of crime.

The Upcoming had the chance to hear from McArdle and Greene who discussed their excitement at exploring the origins of their characters in a prequel series. They delved into the psychology and physicality of their roles, the importance of costumes and their characters’ unique chemistry. McArdle and Greene also  shared their hope audiences enjoy the 90s style and fast-paced, romantic narrative.

 

Elliott, Greig and Moyer further shared their initial trepidation and excitement about developing iconic characters’ backstories, the 1990s setting aiding character immersion, and the unique dynamic of their on-screen relationships, all influenced by the original film yet allowing for creative freedom.

Sarah Bradbury

Sexy Beast is released on Paramount+ on 25^th January 2024.

Watch the trailer for Sexy Beast here: