'Sexy Beast should've been left alone!' Internet fumes over Paramount+'s 'pointless' prequel series
LONDON, ENGLAND: Developed by Michael Caleo, 'Sexy Beast' premiered on Paramount+ on January 25. Renowned for his exceptional work of line in 'The Jackel' and 'Basic Instinct 2', Michael Caton headlines the prequel to the eponymous 2000s cult classic.
The eight-part crime thriller sheds light on Gal Dove (James McArdle) and Don Logan's (Emun Elliott) foray into the dark side of the crime world. The thieves are recruited by the enigmatic Teddy Bass (Stephen Moyer) for his jobs.
Backed by action and dark humor, the series will also give a glimpse into the developing relationship between Gal and adult movie star DeeDee (Sarah Greene).
Viewers question the need for 'Sexy Beast' prequel series
'Sexy Beast' has received mostly negative feedback from critics and viewers alike. The poor acting quality of the series left viewers bewildered.
Quoting the same sentiments, an X user wrote, "Lasted 10 mins of the Sexy Beast tv spinoff. Bad acting, weird accents, terrible casting." Others wonder if a series based on the iconic 2020 movie is really necessary at all. "Sexy beast should have been left alone man," said an X user.
Lasted 10 mins of the Sexy Beast tv spinoff. Bad acting, weird accents, terrible casting
— Paul Milligan (@mrpaulmilligan) January 25, 2024
Another user bemoans the lack of originality in Hollywood while lamenting the regular productions based on classic films as he wrote on X, "I still think if they’re doing sexy beast, Roadhouse and Highlander then it says a lot about the state of Hollywood as their ideas are clearly running out. Originality seems to have flown off these days."
I still think if they’re doing sexy beast, Roadhouse and Highlander then it says a lot about the state of Hollywood as their ideas are clearly running out.
— soullessparty (@soullessparty) January 25, 2024
Originality seems to have flown off these days.
One user claimed, "Jeezo, it's painful how bad the first episode of the new Sexy Beast series is. I couldn't even get through the first 10 minutes, it made Guy Ritchie look like Scorcese. Absolute insult to one of the best British films of the 90s."
Jeezo, it's painful how bad the first episode of the new Sexy Beast series is. I couldn't even get through the first 10 minutes, it made Guy Ritchie look like Scorcese. Absolute insult to one of the best British films of the 90s.
— Kevin McAllion (@KevMcallion) January 25, 2024
Another user, a fan of the film, opted to give the series a shot but was utterly disappointed with its poor quality, said, "Decided to give the Sexy Beast series a go cos I love that film. Don’t love this though. It’s f*****g s***e." Sharing the same sentiments, one user wrote, "The film Sexy Beast is ace so decided to binge watch the first 3 episodes of this prequel on paramount Worse things to do with a hangover that’s for sure."
Decided to give the Sexy Beast series a go cos I love that film. Don’t love this though. It’s fucking shite. 🚮
— Jay Motty (@JayMotty) January 25, 2024
The film Sexy Beast is ace so decided to binge watch the first 3 episodes of this prequel on paramount
— theyknowitall (@TKIA_1) January 25, 2024
Worse things to do with a hangover that’s for sure https://t.co/paabqCswnO
"Aye, me too. 10 minutes of cartoon Cockneys and awful 80s references later it was telly aff," said an X user.
Aye, me too. 10 minutes of cartoon Cockneys and awful 80s references later it was telly aff
— Kevin McAllion (@KevMcallion) January 25, 2024
Additionally, the viewers also describe the series as bland and lacking in meat to its plot.
Sharing his two cents on the series, an X user wrote, "IP mentality. The trailer is even worse. Just totally juiceless and pointless. Doesn't capture the tone and style of the original Sexy Beast."
IP mentality. The trailer is even worse. Just totally juiceless and pointless. Doesn't capture the tone and style of the original Sexy Beast pic.twitter.com/zs8FDR4Htm
— Sotiris Tsern (@SotirisTsern) January 26, 2024
"Well that Sexy Beast series looks absolutely appalling." wrote another X user.
Well that Sexy Beast series looks absolutely appalling.
— 🇵🇱 Steve G 🇵🇸 🐝 (@oohhangon) January 23, 2024
Will there be 'Sexy Beast' Season 2?
The series was highly anticipated for its theme of delving into the origins of two beloved characters, Don and Gal, but it failed owing to poor 1980s references and cartoonish portrayals.
The audience's and critics' disapproval of the first three episodes of the show has left the show's future in limbo.
There's a chance that the show will pick up and win over both viewers and critics with the release of additional episodes, but as of right now, a second season is not guaranteed.
In the meantime, the first three episodes of 'Sexy Beast' are streaming on Paramount+.