5 Nottingham Links to Guy Ritchie Films

Lennie James

Long before slaying zombies in The Walking Dead and winning awards for Save Me Too, Nottingham-born Lennie James starred in one of Ritchie’s most successful films - Snatch. In the role of Sol, James is a comedic stand-out, his bumbling approach to the complex world of crime leading to some truly memorable moments. In a cast that boasts everyone from Brad Pitt to Benicio Del Toro, James more than holds his own. And who can be surprised? He’s a natural… unlike Tyrone.

Toby Kebbell

RocknRolla might not be everyone's favourite Ritchie movie, but it does feature a cracking performance from The Television Workshop graduate Toby Kebbell. As the wonderfully-named wildcard Johnny Quid, Kebbell appears to be having the time of his life, making the most of Ritchie’s trademark tongue-in-cheek dialogue. Also starring in Dead Man’s Shoes and Control, Kebbell is a regular star in the local Screen scene - and a very worthy BAFTA nominee.

Luke Gentry

From Wrath of Man to The Man From U.N.C.L.E., Sound Designer Luke Gentry has been a long-term collaborator of Ritchie’s, helping audiences to feel every bullet being fired and every body hitting the floor. “I think Guy’s one of those people who’s very loyal,” Luke said when asked about his relationship with the director. “If you can deliver for someone like Guy you’re going to keep getting asked to the table.” Gentry’s favourite film to work on, though, was perhaps the least Ritchie of the lot - 2019’s Aladdin. “That was a dream come true,” he told LeftLion last year.

Koko Basigara

Another of Aladdin’s Nottingham links is Koko Basigara, who grew up in our fair city. A successful stage actor - currently starring in the West End production of Jersey Boys down in London - Koko got to show off her musical skills on the big screen, in a movie that features the likes of Will Smith and Naomi Scott. And as if that wasn’t enough, she did so in an adaptation of one of her favourite Disney films of all time. Not bad at all.

Hugh Grant

Granted (get it?), this might be the most tenuous link yet - but stick with us. The international heartthrob turned Guy Ritchie regular may have made his name starring in famous flicks like Notting Hill and Love Actually, but Hugh Grant’s career might not have taken off without Nottingham’s influence. Back in the eighties, in a bid to gain his Equity card and, with it, a better chance at starring in movies, Grant got a gig performing at the Nottingham Playhouse - living in the posh digs in The Park Estate for a year. We’re not saying he owes everything to us lot, but, y’know…