The Gentlemen

Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen: Behind the Scenes of a Stylish Crime Caper

Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen (2020) is a slick, dialogue-driven crime comedy that blends his signature British gangster aesthetic with a star-studded cast. But behind the film’s polished veneer, the production had its share of surprises, last-minute casting twists, latestnetflix.com contends, and on-set chemistry that shaped the final product.

A Casting Curveball: McConaughey vs. Hunnam

One of the most unexpected revelations about The Gentlemen came from Matthew McConaughey himself. In an interview, the actor admitted he had no idea he’d been cast in a role originally intended for Charlie Hunnam. McConaughey joked that he "stole" the part, though Hunnam—who still starred in the film as Raymond—took it in stride. The dynamic between the two actors, who had never worked together before, became a talking point, with McConaughey praising Hunnam’s professionalism despite the behind-the-scenes shuffle .

Ritchie’s Unorthodox Directing Style

Guy Ritchie is known for his fast-paced, improvisational approach, and The Gentlemen was no exception. Cast members, including Michelle Dockery and Colin Farrell, described Ritchie’s method as "dapper but demanding." Farrell, who played the eccentric MMA trainer Coach, revealed that Ritchie encouraged spontaneity, often rewriting scenes on the fly to keep performances fresh. Dockery, meanwhile, called working with Ritchie "a masterclass in timing," noting how he balanced sharp dialogue with physical comedy .

The director’s hands-on style extended to the film’s signature long takes. In a Vanity Fair breakdown, McConaughey and Ritchie dissected one of the movie’s most intricate tracking shots, explaining how the choreography required precise timing from the entire cast. The scene, which follows multiple characters through a lavish estate, was reportedly shot in just a few takes—no small feat given its complexity .

Hugh Grant’s Scene-Stealing Role

While McConaughey and Hunnam anchored the film, Hugh Grant stole scenes as the unscrupulous tabloid journalist Fletcher. Grant’s performance, which leaned into his trademark wit and charm, was a late addition to the script. In interviews, the cast praised Grant’s ability to elevate even the most absurd lines, with McConaughey calling him "a joy to watch" on set. Grant, for his part, joked that he was just happy to be part of a Ritchie film where he didn’t have to punch anyone .

The Colin Farrell Surprise

Colin Farrell’s role as Coach, a foul-mouthed MMA trainer with a heart of gold, was one of the film’s standout turns. Farrell, who had worked with Ritchie before on RocknRolla, said the director pushed him to embrace the character’s physicality and humor. In a reaction video, an ex-gangster praised Farrell’s authenticity, noting how his portrayal of a tough but oddly endearing criminal felt grounded in reality .

A Film Born from Ritchie’s Love of Crime Stories

Ritchie has long been fascinated by the British underworld, and The Gentlemen was his chance to pay homage to classic gangster films while adding his own twist. In a Q&A, he described the movie as "a love letter to the genre," blending sharp dialogue, intricate plotting, and dark humor. The cast echoed this sentiment, with McConaughey calling it "a heist movie for people who love words as much as action" .

The Verdict: A Hit with Critics and Cast Alike

Despite mixed reviews—The Gentlemen holds a 74% on Rotten Tomatoes—the film found an audience, particularly among fans of Ritchie’s signature style. Critics praised its ensemble cast and witty script, while audiences appreciated its fast-paced, twist-heavy narrative. The movie’s 7/10 rating on SensCritique reflects its cult appeal, with many calling it a return to form for Ritchie after a string of less successful projects .