The allure of gangster narratives continues to captivate audiences, and it seems the Duchess of Sussex has taken notice. This week marks the return of Netflix’s “The Gentlemen,” the latest venture from filmmaker Guy Ritchie. Starring Theo James as a strikingly attractive aristocrat who finds himself entangled in organized crime, the show is set to launch its second season. In August, speculation arose regarding Meghan Markle potentially joining the cast for the third season, coinciding with her and Prince Harry’s unexpected visit to the UK.
Initially, the idea of Meghan transitioning from her role in “Suits” to a gangster series appeared to be an unusual choice, given her current lifestyle focused on her artisanal pursuits in Montecito. However, these casting rumors reflect a broader evolution within the male-dominated gangster genre, where female characters are increasingly at the forefront, taking control of their narratives.
Upon its debut in 2024, “The Gentlemen” diverged from Ritchie’s earlier films. Alongside James and Vinnie Jones, Kaya Scodelario stars as Susie Glass, a sharply dressed and formidable leader of an underground cannabis operation. Following the death of Eddie’s father, Susie introduces him to her world. While Ritchie has included female characters in his crime dramas before, Susie stands out as an equal to her male counterparts. Unlike the traditional “damsel in distress,” she is portrayed as a commanding figure, leading Eddie instead of being led. Scodelario noted in our 2024 interview that many initially expected Susie to be merely a supporting character, but she defies those expectations.
Susie represents a fresh wave of female figures in gangster narratives, adding complexity and depth to the genre. Society often accepts male involvement in criminal activities; however, the introduction of female gangsters compels audiences to examine their motivations more closely. These characters contribute to scenes that feel more shocking and subversive due to their feminine qualities.
In Netflix’s “Black Doves,” the series features Lenny Lines, portrayed by Kathryn Hunter, a vengeful assassin whose small stature only amplifies her menace. The most formidable crime boss in the series is Alex Clark, played by Tracey Ullman, who oversees a vast criminal organization with ties to the highest echelons of the British government.
Similarly, the Paramount+ series “MobLand,” returning for its second season in September, showcases Maeve Harrigan (Helen Mirren), the ruthless Irish matriarch of a mob family. Unlike crime boss Conrad Harrigan (Pierce Brosnan) or his gritty fixer Harry Da Souza (Tom Hardy), Maeve is both fearsome and fiercely protective.
Historically, women in gangster stories have often been relegated to simplistic roles as objects of desire or as cunning matriarchs like Maeve, who exert control through family connections. These matriarchs typically operate from the shadows, wielding significant financial or political power while men take the spotlight. Examples include Polly Gray (Helen McCrory) in “Peaky Blinders” and Youn Yuh-jung’s unscrupulous country club owner in “Beef.”
This year, we are witnessing a gradual transformation of these archetypes. In HBO’s “Euphoria,” the character Laurie, portrayed by Martha Kelly, defies traditional roles as a drug queenpin who is neither a matriarch nor a sexualized figure. Rather than remaining in the background, Laurie confronts rival drug lord Alamo Brown head-on, asserting her dominance until the chilling finale leaves her fate in her own hands.
In “The Gentlemen,” Scodelario’s Susie exemplifies the modern “girlboss” archetype, a fitting role for an actress who gained recognition on a show that shaped youth culture in the 2000s. With her love for red lipstick and Instagram-worthy outfits, Susie embodies both desire and aspiration. However, her femininity is not her defining trait; rather, it is her strategic acumen and effectiveness that set her apart.
Amidst a cast of men constrained by their established roles as fathers, heirs, and fixers, Susie emerges as a versatile force capable of dismantling their egos. In the exhilarating premiere of the second season, she is seen engaging in various high-stakes scenarios, from grouse shooting in tweed to maneuvering a £16 million purchase at an art auction, all while plotting in a lakeside sauna and participating in a thrilling chase.
Given the show’s high production value and intricate storytelling, it is no wonder that Meghan Markle has shown interest in “The Gentlemen.” The series now boasts a level of prestige akin to Netflix’s previous successes such as “The Crown” and “House of Cards.” Importantly, it also showcases an increasing presence of women in Guy Ritchie’s cinematic universe. Within Susie’s realm, although aristocrats may be seen as the original organized criminals, they are certainly not the most competent—especially with her around.
The second season of “The Gentlemen” premieres on Netflix on September 3.
