Netflix has officially commenced production for the highly anticipated second season of 'The Gentlemen', the hit series by Guy Ritchie. The show, which blends the elegance of 'Downton Abbey' with the gritty underworld of 'Peaky Blinders', continues to captivate audiences with its unique storyline and dynamic characters. The new season promises to bring back the original leads, Theo James and Kaya Scodelario, alongside a host of new and returning talents, including Italian actors Benedetta Porcaroli, Michele Morrone, and Sergio Castellitto.

The series, a co-production between Netflix, Moonage Pictures, part of Itv Studios, and Miramax Tv, delves into the life of Eddie Horniman, played by Theo James, who inherits his family's estate only to discover it's the center of a cannabis empire. The narrative explores Eddie's entanglement with the criminal underworld, with Kaya Scodelario's character, Susie Glass, emerging as an unlikely ally. The addition of Maya Jama to the cast marks a significant career move for the Love Island presenter, who expressed her excitement about joining the project on her Instagram.

Season 2 of 'The Gentlemen' is set to feature a blend of seasoned actors and fresh faces, including Hugh Bonneville, Benjamin Clementine, and Amra Mallassi, among others. The returning cast members, such as Ray Winstone, Vinnie Jones, and Giancarlo Esposito, are expected to reprise their roles, adding depth and continuity to the series. The inclusion of Italian stars and Maya Jama highlights the show's commitment to diversity and international appeal.

As production continues in the UK, fans of the series are eagerly awaiting more details about the new season, including the roles of the newly announced cast members. With its compelling mix of drama, crime, and dark humor, 'The Gentlemen' Season 2 is poised to be another standout offering on Netflix, further cementing Guy Ritchie's reputation as a master storyteller in both film and television.

This week, cinemas are set to welcome a new contender in the family entertainment genre with the release of the live-action adaptation of 'How to Train Your Dragon'. The film, which follows the story of a young Viking named Hiccup and his unlikely friendship with a dragon named Toothless, aims to capture the hearts of audiences just as its animated predecessor did over a decade ago. With Dean DeBlois, the creative force behind the original animated trilogy, at the helm, expectations are high for this latest iteration.

The narrative revolves around Hiccup, portrayed by Mason Thames, who defies his village's tradition of dragon slaying by befriending Toothless, one of the most feared dragons. This act of compassion leads to an extraordinary bond that challenges the longstanding feud between Vikings and dragons. Gerard Butler reprises his role as Stoick the Vast, Hiccup's father, bringing his signature gravitas to the live-action version after lending his voice to the character in the animated films.

The transition from animation to live-action is a gamble that has seen mixed results in the past. While some adaptations have struggled to resonate with audiences, others have managed to surpass expectations. 'How to Train Your Dragon' benefits from a strong foundation, with its source material being both a beloved children's book series by Cressida Cowell and a critically acclaimed animated franchise. The film's success will hinge on its ability to translate the original's emotional depth and visual splendor into a live-action format.

As 'How to Train Your Dragon' prepares to take flight in cinemas, it joins a competitive lineup of new releases. However, with its universal themes of friendship, understanding, and breaking barriers, the film is poised to offer a compelling option for families and fans of the original alike. Whether it can soar to the heights of its animated counterpart remains to be seen, but the stage is set for another memorable journey to the Isle of Berk.