**Chris Eubank Jr to Feature as Boxer in Second Series of Netflix’s *The Gentlemen***
Professional boxer Chris Eubank Jr, aged 35, is poised to swap the boxing ring for the small screen in the highly-anticipated second series of *The Gentlemen*. The Netflix drama, helmed by acclaimed director Guy Ritchie, is based on the 2019 film of the same name and is renowned for blending aristocratic intrigue with the gritty world of organised crime.
Eubank Jr’s casting was confirmed over the weekend, with sources indicating he will appear as a boxer—a fitting role given his sporting pedigree. The show’s narrative centres around Edward Horniman, portrayed by Theo James, who unexpectedly becomes the 14th Duke of Halstead and inherits a country estate—only to discover that illegal operations are being run from its grounds. Guy Ritchie, no stranger to weaving tales of underworld fisticuffs, is said to have reserved the part specifically for a real-life pugilist.
Insiders claim the casting is a cause for celebration within the Eubank family. Chris Eubank Snr, famed for his own flamboyant personality and dapper tweed ensembles, is reportedly thrilled at his son’s involvement. The elder Eubank famously purchased the title “Lordship of the Manor of Brighton” at the height of his own boxing career in the 1990s, making the connection to *The Gentlemen*’s aristocratic themes particularly apt.
Boxing has become something of a recurring motif in Ritchie’s works. Fans will recall Brad Pitt’s iconic turn as a bare-knuckle fighter in 2000’s *Snatch*—another of the director’s gangster-infused productions. As with previous projects, the inclusion of boxing elements in the narrative serves to heighten both drama and authenticity.
The upcoming series looks set to draw a star-studded line-up, with Hugh Bonneville of *Downton Abbey* fame and popular presenter Maya Jama rumoured to be joining the ensemble cast. Their roles, still under wraps, are expected to add further depth to the show’s already colourful tapestry of characters navigating the complex hierarchies of Britain’s criminal underworld.
Veteran actor Ray Winstone will return to his role as the formidable Bobby Glass, a character much beloved by fans of the original film. Winstone, 68, recently commented on his excitement to “get back into the graft”, noting the unique dynamic that the show offers, particularly with his character continuing to operate from behind bars. Winstone alluded to storylines involving the legalisation of cannabis, though he admitted much of the plot remains a surprise even to him—a testament to the fluidity and adaptability of Ritchie’s scriptwriting process.
As production for the second series ramps up, anticipation is high that the show will once again deliver its trademark blend of sharp wit, eccentric characters and dramatic plot twists. With the addition of Eubank Jr and other notable names, Netflix is clearly investing in bolstering the show’s appeal to both domestic and international audiences.
*The Gentlemen*’s blend of class satire, criminal enterprise, and stylised violence has resonated strongly with viewers since its debut, and Guy Ritchie’s approach continues to breathe new life into the genre. The involvement of a high-profile sporting figure like Eubank Jr adds a further layer of authenticity to the drama’s portrayal of the British underworld.
No release date for the new series has yet been announced, but the buzz around Eubank Jr’s acting debut ensures that expectations will be sky high. As further details emerge, fans of the series and newcomers alike will be watching closely to see how the famed boxer fares in the glare of the camera lights rather than the ropes of the ring.