After two years away, The Gentlemen has stormed back onto Netflix with a second season that pushes Guy Ritchie's crime saga into darker, more international territory. Theo James's Eddie Horniman is no longer the reluctant outsider; he's now fully entrenched in Bobby Glass's empire, navigating treacherous deals with Italian cartels while trying to keep his family's legacy alive. But as the season unfolds, Eddie's journey takes a chilling turn—one that James compares to the slow-burn corruption of Tony Soprano.
In an exclusive chat with Collider, James delved into the season's explosive finale, Eddie's complicated bond with Susie (Kaya Scodelario), and the character's transformation into something far more dangerous. The actor didn't hold back when discussing the moral tightrope Eddie walks, especially after a series of devastating losses.
The Bloody Finale: Eddie and Freddy's Irreparable Rift
The season's most gut-wrenching moment comes when Eddie confronts his brother Freddy (Daniel Ings) over the murder of his new wife, Bella. The scene is brutal, visceral, and leaves little room for reconciliation. James explained the creative process behind that pivotal moment: "We were trying to figure out a way to keep an element of his morality intact, despite the fact that he's murdering people and doing terrible things, because he can't kill his brother, because then he loses his family in its entirety and he loses his moral compass, but then he can't forgive him because his brother's done something reprehensible."
The solution was a punishment that's both bloody and symbolic—a way to maintain control without severing the family tie completely. But can Eddie ever truly forgive Freddy? James is skeptical: "In a basic way, you try to think: if that happened to yourself, would you be able to forgive someone? And I don't think you could." The actor added that Eddie carries guilt over Freddy being overlooked, but that doesn't erase the betrayal.
Land, Legacy, and the Ghost of Colonial Power
Eddie's obsession with reclaiming his family's ancestral land becomes a central driver this season. James sees it as more than just acreage. "I think it's about legacy," he said. "In Season 1, he's a civilian who's trying to protect his family, essentially, and he realizes that he's pretty good at the crime world, and he's astute and has a brain. But by Season 2, I think ego and power is slowly leaking into his being."
The actor also connected Eddie's quest to broader themes of British colonial power and the "orb and sceptre" idea that Guy Ritchie explores—the duality of leadership that requires both judgment and forgiveness. "It seems purely in acreage, but ultimately it has loftier themes," James noted.
Can Eddie Ever Trust Bobby Again?
Eddie's betrayal of Bobby Glass (Ray Winstone) leads to a savage beating and the death of his wife—a punishment that seems wildly disproportionate. James made it clear that Eddie won't simply let this slide. "I think Eddie can't forgive him," he said. "To Ray Winstone's character, he says, 'Ah, you give him a slap on the wrists,' which is understated, should we say, the violence enacted on Eddie, but he's okay with getting over it. But I think, Edward, that's a thorn in his side, which he needs to eventually avenge."
That simmering vengeance is a tantalizing setup for a potential third season. "You're waiting for when and how he's going to avenge, because he will," James teased.
Eddie and Susie: Love or Convenience?
Despite their undeniable chemistry, James is careful to define Eddie and Susie's relationship. "Class is a theme and it's also a reality of Britain," he said, hinting that their connection is complicated by social divides and mutual ambition. While there's genuine affection, it's never simple—both are playing a long game, and trust is a luxury neither can fully afford.
As for what's next, James hinted that Eddie's transformation is far from over. "He's becoming more like Tony Soprano," he said, referencing the iconic antihero. "The question is, how far will he go?"
For more on the series, check out our review of Season 2's perfect score and other flawless Netflix miniseries to binge next.
