When Theo James signed up for Guy Ritchie’s Netflix spinoff of his 2019 movie, “The Gentlemen,” he anticipated a thrilling and action-packed role. His character, Eddie Horniman, is a captain in the British army who returns home to a shocking reality. He inherits the historic 15,000-acre estate of his aristocratic family, along with the title of the 13th Duke of Halstead, and, unexpectedly, a hidden cannabis farm managed by gangsters. This role presented James with an opportunity to diverge from his previous work, where he portrayed Cameron Sullivan, the charismatic hedge-fund rogue in HBO’s “The White Lotus.”
James describes the contrast between the two characters, stating, “Cameron was larger than life, Americana, outward energy.” In contrast, Eddie is depicted as “incredibly controlled, chooses his words incredibly wisely, and very British.” This character trait allows him to reflect thoughtfully before speaking and constantly assess his surroundings. The role also allowed James to clarify a common misconception about himself: despite his British background, people often expect him to be brash and outspoken. In reality, he describes himself as “quite shy and genteel.”
In exploring Eddie's background, James notes the character's complicated relationship with his aristocratic lineage. Eddie represents the diminishing influence of British aristocracy, which once wielded immense power but is now overshadowed by new players in society, such as entrepreneurs from Silicon Valley and criminals. Eddie’s journey emphasizes the notion that traditional power structures are losing their grip, and true influence now requires navigating the darker side of life.
This role not only challenges Eddie's worldview but also mirrors classic narratives of familial chaos and power dynamics, reminiscent of the legendary Corleone family from “The Godfather.” In this spinoff, Eddie confronts anarchy both in his family and within himself, forcing him to navigate a complex web of relationships and societal expectations.
Living in a world filled with chaotic figures, including a brother burdened with debt, a criminal mastermind behind bars, and a billionaire with murky dealings, Eddie is faced with a unique challenge. Describing a typical day on set, James shares that director Guy Ritchie prefers a skeletal script, focusing on the story's core elements while allowing flexibility for creativity during filming. This approach requires trust and adaptability, especially for someone like James, who identifies as a control freak.
