Sky today announced that filming is underway on the second series of Sky Original drama, Gangs of London, with a new cast line up joining the multi-talented ensemble from series one. The global hit series, which began production two weeks ago is produced by Pulse Films in association with SISTER, for Sky Studios and AMC Networks.
Joining the cast of series one, which include Ṣọpẹ Dìrísù, Michelle Fairley, Brian Vernel, Pippa Bennett-Warner, Lucian Msamati, Paapa Essiedu, Valene Kane, Orli Shuka and Asif Raza are Waleed Zuaiter (Baghdad Central, The Spy), French rapper Jasmine Armando in her first TV role, Salem Kali (Un Prophete, Dealer), Aymen Hamdouchi (SAS: Red Notice, Criminal: UK) and Fady El-Sayed (Baghdad Central, A Private War).
Gangs of London is created by Gareth Evans and his creative partner Matt Flannery. The critically acclaimed first series became the biggest Sky Original drama launch on Sky Atlantic of the past five years. In the United States, the series debuted on AMC+, helping to launch the new streaming platform, quickly becoming one of its most watched series. The series premiered on AMC’s linear channel in April. Internationally, Gangs of London launched successfully across Europe, Latin America, Australia, Japan and most recently in China.
Set one year after the tumultuous events of series one, Gangs of London series two charts London’s map and soul being redrawn. Since the collapse of the Wallace Dumani empire, order is lacking, and the energy and chaos of a gold rush threatens the city with gangland anarchy.
The Investors are viewing the city as a place of ruin and decide enough is enough. Licensing a new gang to restore stability, drama instead ensues. These brutal enforcers bring a new kind of authority, coldly designed to terrorise the other gangs into submission. Anyone doing business in the city must now go through them, and our gangs must decide where their loyalties lie if they are to survive. Who will win the battle for the soul of London?
Gabriel Silver Director of Commissioning, Drama, Sky Studios, said “With such a stellar creative team at the helm, who’ve masterminded a brilliantly woven story for its incredible cast, I’m delighted that Gangs of London has begun shooting on the second series. Delivering its trademark action and peerlessly visceral fight sequences it will definitely be worth the wait. Gangs of London is a record-breaking critical success and a great example of Sky's commitment to innovation and bring viewers the very best cinematic storytelling.”
Dan McDermott, President of Original Programming for AMC Networks and President of AMC Studios said “We welcome these incredible new cast members aboard the knuckle-gripping ride that is Gangs of London. Season one was an overwhelming success and now a critical darling in the US. We look forward to continuing this breathtaking adventure alongside our partners at Sky Studios, Pulse Films and SISTER.”
Thomas Benski CEO, Pulse Films said “One of the defining elements that propelled Gangs of London’s record-breaking success on series one was undeniably its magnificent cast. Made up of a dazzling, multicultural mix of new and award-winning established talent who captivated audiences around the world and brought to life characters that fans have become deeply passionate about. Collaborating once again with our brilliant casting director Kelly Hendry, and as production on series two officially kicks off, we are thrilled to introduce new and exciting additions to the world of Gangs of London, while welcoming back fan favourites from series one,”
Gangs of London series two was commissioned by Zai Bennett, Sky UK’s Managing Director of Content with Gabriel Silver as the Executive Producer for Sky Studios. Executive Producers for the series are creators Gareth Evans and Matt Flannery. For Pulse films the Executive Producers are Thomas Benski, Hugh Warren, Helen Gregory and for SISTER Jane Featherstone. Tom Butterworth is the lead writer for the second series and is joined in writers’ room by Lauren Sequeira, Danusia Samal, Rowan Athale, Meg Salter and Elliot Warren. Corin Hardy takes on the role as lead director and will direct four episodes. Marcela Said and Nima Nourizadeh will join him to direct two episodes each. Tom Butterworth and Corin Hardy also serve as Executive Producers on the series.
The second series of Gangs of London will air on Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW in the UK and Ireland and will be available in all Sky markets. In the US, the series will return to AMC and AMC+, AMC Networks’ premium streaming bundle. NBCUniversal Global Distribution and Pulse Films will share further international licensing rights for the show.