Since its release in 2000, Jonathan Glazer’s Sexy Beast has become something of a cult classic. Now, the story of Gal and Don is back with a much-anticipated prequel series on Paramount+.

The original crime thriller followed Gal Dove (Ray Winstone), an ex-gangster who, after serving time, has settled down in a beautiful Spanish villa with his wife, DeeDee (Amanda Redman). However, when Don (Ben Kingsley), his old partner, shows up, he gets dragged back into the business. 

If you have ever wondered How did Gal and Don get involved in east London’s crime scene, anyway, the new Paramount+ series promises to answer all of your questions. With an all-star cast featuring James McArdle, Sarah Greene, Tamsin Greig and Eliza Bennett, the eight-part series takes us back to the 90s, when Gal, Don and DeeDee all met and made their first steps into a life of crime.

Since dropping last week, Sexy Beast has already captivated both fans of the original and newcomers to Glazer’s film. Here’s everything to know about the series.

What is the Sexy Beast prequel about?

Developed by writer Michael Caleo, best-known for The Sopranos, Sexy Beast follows Gal and Don’s rise through the crime scene of east London, first as petty thieves and later as influential crime bosses. It also gives fans a little insight into DeeDee’s past, who, it turns out, was once a successful adult film star.

The series takes us all the way up to Gal and Don’s famous falling out and Gal’s prison sentence that followed.

Sexy Beast hasn’t exactly received rave reviews, with many critics complaining that the series feels predictable. However, one thing the show does seem to get right is its focus on DeeDee as the beating heart of the action. 

Who stars in Sexy Beast?

It’s no great secret that the cast of Sexy Beast had pretty big shoes to fill. 

James McArdle (Mare Of Easttown, Mary Queen Of Scots) steps into Ray Winstone’s shoes as Gal. “Don Logan is one of the most iconic characters in British crime-movie history, so it was absolutely terrifying, to be honest, the prospect of taking on that role,” he told The Telegraph.

Emun Elliot (The Force Awakens, Prometheus) takes on Kingsley’s character, Don.

DeeDee is played by Sarah Greene, previously seen in Normal People and Bad Sisters. To prepare for the role, she watched the original “over and over again and just studied her through line. And she’s very still, she doesn’t say a whole lot,” she told Deadline.

Rounding out the cast is Tamsin Greig as Cecilia Logan, Don’s sister, Stephen Moyer as mob boss Teddy, and Eliza Bennett as Margorie, Gal’s slightly dim fiancee.

Where can I watch Sexy Beast?

The first three episodes of Sexy Beast are streaming now on Paramount+. The remaining five episodes will be released weekly on Thursdays.

Watch the trailer for Sexy Beast

Here’s a little taste of what you can expect:

Images: Paramount+