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'It's really good': 'Sexy beast' prequel series receives high praise from fans for casting, acting and script

Despite initially receiving negative reviews, Paramount+'s crime series 'Sexy Beast' has successfully won over fans throughout its eight-episode run

LONDON, ENGLAND: The much-awaited prequel series of Ray Winstone and Ben Kingsley's cult film 'Sexy Beast' (2000) premiered on Thursday, January 25. After dropping an episode every week, the eight-episodic series concluded on Thursday, February 29.

The prequel which shares the same name as the original film, follows the early lives of the characters of Don Logan (Emun Elliott), Gal Dove (James McArdle), Teddy Bass (Stephen Moyer), and Deedee Harrison(Sarah Greene).

It traces the relationship between friends and thieves Gal and Don, who become entangled in London's criminal world together during the 1990s.

The series also delves into Gal's unconventional relationship with adult film star Deedee and also offers insights into Don's troubled childhood that sheds light on his erratic behavior.

'Sexy Beast' prequel series doesn't disappoint the fans of cult film

Upon its premiere on Paramount+ in January, 'Sexy Beast' faced a barrage of negative reviews, with criticisms directed towards its 'bad acting, weird accents, and terrible casting'. A fan wrote on X saying, "Lasted 10 mins of the Sexy Beast tv spinoff. Bad acting, weird accents, terrible casting." "Sexy Beast should have been left alone," wrote another.

However, as the series unfolded, it gradually garnered support and found a dedicated fanbase. Even the lovers of the cult film have come to appreciate the nuances of the prequel series over time.

A fan wrote "Sexy Beast: Great film, right? Stylish, tense, Ben Fucking Kingsley. Guess what? There’s a prequel series and it’s really good! Nearing Better Call Saul and Andor levels of prequel quality. Ace acting, writing, directing, and world-building. Thursday. Paramount+. You’ll be there."

Another fan wrote, "I really enjoyed this!!" while another added, "Sexy Beast on paramount plus is the best series Iv seen in a long time! Hoping there’s a 2nd series. Loved the 2000 film with Ray Winstone in but this was a great watch too!"

After finishing the entire season, someone reviewed it and wrote, "Just finished #SexyBeast S1. Loved it. Visually gorgeous, perfectly played, exceptional writing. 10/10. Am now making burnt offerings to the gods of renewal. You can watch it with a free trial of Paramount+ on Amazon Prime."

Another satisfied fan posted, "I'm watching Sexy Beast ep 8. I'm so worried about Gal so I went out for a sig. Lol . Stephen Moyer is such a great director. I'm not just saying because I'm a fan. I'm saying it because he is! And of course a brilliant actor. But all of them in SB is so great actors!"

Appreciating the casting and acting, a fan said, "Loved the film Sexy Beast, watched the first 7 episodes of series on Paramount +, and must say the casting , acting and script is absolutely amazing. Congratulations the makers."

"Entertaining prequel series to the film, perhaps has a slightly different tone, the younger characters work pretty well. Fun viewing, certainly put me in the mood for another rewatch of Glazer's 2000 original," reads another post.

Will there be 'Sexy Beast' Season 2?

Following the airing of the finale episode of 'Sexy Beast,' fans were left pondering the possibility of another season. The crime series concluded on a suspenseful note, leaving both characters and the overarching storyline without resolution.

There remains much-uncharted territory in the lives of Gal Dove, Don Logan, Teddy Bass, and Deedee Harrison.

Questions linger about how their trajectories lead to the events depicted in the 2000 film—such as Gal and Deedee's union in Spain and how Gal managed to leave behind his best friend, Don.

Additionally, the ascent of Teddy Bass within London's criminal underworld and the darker aspects of his activities beg further exploration.

Despite fervent anticipation from fans for another season, there has been no official confirmation regarding renewal. Meanwhile, stay tuned to MEAWW for further updates on 'Sexy Beast' Season 2.