Guy Ritchie's Most Underrated Movie That Deserves a Sequel

When discussing Guy Ritchie’s filmography, many fans immediately think of his well-known works such as ‘Sherlock Holmes’, ‘The Covenant’, or his medieval fantasy, ‘King Arthur: Legend of the Sword’. Ritchie is also famous for his Disney remake, ‘Aladdin’. Despite his varied portfolio, Ritchie's most iconic films are his crime comedies centred around British gangsters, like ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ and ‘Snatch’. However, his most underrated film, ‘RocknRolla’, often doesn't get the recognition it deserves. This film’s sequel potential is a hot topic, especially with the recent buzz around ‘The Gentlemen’ TV series on Netflix.

‘RocknRolla’ features a complex narrative with multiple intersecting storylines. It follows the Wild Bunch gang, led by One-Two (Gerard Butler), Mumbles (Idris Elba), and Handsome Bob (Tom Hardy), as they get entangled in a real estate scam involving the shrewd businessman Lenny Cole (Tom Wilkinson). The plot also includes Lenny's troublesome stepson Johnny Quid (Toby Kebbell) and a conflict with Russian businessman Uri Omovich (Karel Roden). The film’s conclusion sees the Wild Bunch escaping, Lenny being killed by his right-hand man Archy (Mark Strong), and Johnny taking over Lenny’s empire.

Image Courtesy: IMDb 

Despite its modest financial success, earning $26 million against an $18 million budget, ‘RocknRolla’ has gained a cult following over the years. Ritchie’s gritty style and the film’s portrayal of British street life have resonated with audiences, influencing subsequent period pieces and crime dramas. While Ritchie has expressed interest in a sequel, scheduling conflicts and big studio commitments have delayed any potential follow-up.

A sequel could explore Johnny Quid’s rise to power and the continued dynamics between characters like Archy and the Wild Bunch. Fans are eager to see how Johnny’s ego and potential conflicts with the Russian mob would unfold. The return of characters like Stella (Thandiwe Newton) and the further development of Bob's storyline could add depth to the sequel, reflecting Ritchie’s unique storytelling and style.

Image Courtesy: IMDb 

Despite some bumps in the road, such as legal disputes over script ideas, fans continue to hope for a ‘RocknRolla’ sequel. With Ritchie’s recent success and continued popularity, a follow-up to this cult classic would certainly be highly anticipated.

–Farheen Ali