Latest news with #GuyRitchie
The Sun
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I starred in Only Fools & Horses and Lock, Stock… now I run Kray twins crime tour & sell cannabis from the Caribbean
'SO HAS the interview started yet?' Vas Blackwood asks, as wind chimes rattle softly in the background. He's speaking over the phone from the Caribbean where he's polishing a film script which he plans to star in. 32 32 32 'I'm pleased with it, the funds have gone into bond, so we'll see what happens,' he explains. The 62-year-old is not necessarily an actor that everyone knows by name - but many of his characters have achieved cult status. His one-off turn as Lennox 'The Shadow' Gilbey in a 1986 episode of beloved BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses, for one. Another is gangster Rory Breaker in Guy Ritchie's 1998 film debut Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. The director told him during casting that he'd been a fan ever since he saw him as Winston in The Lenny Henry Show in the late 80s. 'Lennox!' When he's back in the UK, where he has a North London base, he says he gets stopped all the time by people shouting 'Lennox!'. I tell him he's a British TV and film icon and he laughs, saying: 'I feel blessed every day.' A jobbing actor all his life, dad-of-three Vas never stops working. Whenever he's not shooting, he can be found running a Kray twins tour in East London's underbelly. 'I start at the Blind Beggar and roll from there,' he explains. 'I bring in the whole gangster thing, but it's centred on Ronnie and Reggie. 'There's a couple of locations from Lock, Stock and I talk about modern gangsters - by the time we're done, you are a gangster,' he adds, laughing. Gary Lineker tops BBC best-paid list with Naga Munchetty among biggest earners amid 'bullying' row as salaries revealed "It's all fun with Uncle Vas." But there's another reason for him being in the Caribbean: he's putting the finishing touches to his latest venture - a medicinal cannabis brand named after his Lock, Stock character. 'The Caribbean's going to be like Rory's sauce - Rory's sauce is coming from the Caribbean,' he says. 'I'm ironing out things whilst I'm here. It comes straight from the film - they take my cannabis and try to sell it back to me. It's a declaration of war! 'I'm working on slogans for it, I've got one: 'I'll chill ya',' he says. Rory's sauce It's currently illegal to sell products in the UK containing THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, but Vas is planning ahead. In several Caribbean nations, for example, the drug has been legalised for medical purposes. 'We'll start with CBD oils, things like that, without THC,' he says, referring to his plans for the UK market. 32 32 32 'In the Caribbean it's legal, in the sense you can apply and get a licence to use medicinal marijuana and then go to your chemist. 'This is what's going to be happening in the UK in the not too distant future. This is for life.' He goes on to say: 'It's so structured with the THC, it's very controlled. You don't have to hang around with someone on a street corner to score a bit of weed, you can go to the chemist.' Vas adds: 'Rory Breaker is going with the guidelines - but don't worry about that, as soon as we're allowed, the Rory Breaker strain of cannabis will be the most popular.' I looked at them and all the lines in my head went - I was a fanboy about to watch an episode. Vas Blackwoodon guest starring in Only Fools and Horses He explains how he was a 'ganja baby' in his teens, growing up around Highgate, but he took his acting career 'very seriously'. 'I vision boarded it, and you become what you are. I became what I am.' His big break, so to speak, came about with his Only Fools guest part when he was just 24. He'd been to drama school and done fringe theatre, as well as a few TV spots - and he was a huge fan of the show. 'I looked at them and all the lines in my head went - I was a fanboy about to watch an episode,' he said, recalling first seeing stars David Jason and Nicholas Lyndhurst in costume on the set. Unusual for the BBC show, The Longest Night episode from season 5 saw a guest star take centre stage. 32 32 32 Filmed in front of a live audience, it was set almost entirely on one room, with Vas - whose character took the leads hostage in a supermarket back office - in almost every shot. They'd done rehearsals for five days in a hall in Chiswick before doing the technical rehearsal at Television Centre, and then the next day the proper shoot. Recalling his sudden hit of anxiety, Vas says: 'I had to kick myself from within my soul, my centre, my core, all the way up. 'You're Lennox, you're Lennox'. 'David, when he saw me, did the shoulder roll. He said 'alright there, Lennox', and I just went, I was laughing to myself. 'The concentration level had to be very high. You'd start laughing if you dropped out of character.' As an actor you have to hold your own. They might be difficult but that's nothing to do with you. You're not here to be their friend. Vas Blackwoodon acting As for his co-stars, Vas was full of praise, saying there was 'no ego', adding: 'They made me feel a million dollars. 'They could've treated me a lot different. The industry can be like that sometimes. 'As an actor you have to hold your own. They might be difficult but that's nothing to do with you. You're not here to be their friend.' During earlier rehearsals he remembers during a break Jason turning to Lyndhurst and asking 'how's the flying going?'. Vas says: 'I was thinking flying, okay, what's that about? Well, Nicholas Lyndhurst actually flies an aeroplane, and he was learning to fly at that point. 32 32 32 'It hit me, they're so not like Del and Rodney, these two.' Vas still has copies of rehearsal scripts they used. 'It was a big moment for me as a young actor, I was very fortunate, but you've got to give yourself a pat on the back,' he says. 'It was like a theatre performance and we had an audience. Theatre is my thing, most actors worth their salt love a bit of theatre. You hold the moment, it was great.' Being called to Television Centre Despite being a huge fan of Only Fools, he admits it was touch and go whether he would even take the part after it was offered. He was on the verge of being cast as a regular in a new Channel 4 show when he was called into White City by show producer Ray Butt. Many stars of the day had been impressed by Vas' performances in fringe theatre productions, and he'd already appeared with Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders in ITV sitcom Girls on Top the year before. He believes he had also already been around the BBC at the time, though can't remember exactly how he came to the attention of Butt. 'It was all very peculiar how I got offered the job,' he recalls. The producer - looking every bit like Del Boy himself, wearing a flat cap and smoking a cigar - welcomed him into Television Centre and took him to a little office on the fifth floor. Handing him the script, he said he'd be back in 45 minutes. 32 32 32 Vas says: 'From the first page I was laughing, especially when he pulls the gun and says 'open the safe!'' When Butt returned, he excitedly asked what he thought, to which Vas replied: 'It's brilliant, Ray.' When he revealed he had another offer, Butt confidently told him: 'Don't worry about that, you'll do this - it's much better.' Vas says his thinking was: 'Getting a TV series would be worth more to me than working one-off for the BBC.' Butt wasn't deterred and as he led him out, Vas said he was thinking 'who is this man?' He dashed to a phone box and called his agent, who told him the Channel 4 producers were 'still making their mind up' - they wanted him but they were still deciding on the rest of the cast. 'A week or two later Ray was pressuring my agent,' Vas continues. 'In the end, I just decided to do Only Fools and Horses. It's little things like that - and I tell you what, I dunno whatever happened to that Channel 4 show, but this was the best thing that ever happened to me and I thank my lucky stars every day. Vas Blackwoodon accepting Only Fools and Horses role 'It's little things like that - and I tell you what, I dunno whatever happened to that Channel 4 show, but this was the best thing that ever happened to me and I thank my lucky stars every day.' The show, despite coming to a finish after more than two decades in 2003, continues to top all-time favourite British TV charts, and is repeated almost daily on the likes of UK Gold. 'I go places everyday and people say 'ah Lennon, Lennox! Say the line!' Do you know how many times I've said it?' Without any prompt, Vas says: 'They seek him here, they seek him there, those policemen seek him everywhere. Is he in heaven or is he in hell, that damn elusive sha-a-dow.' 32 32 32 He adds: 'I get people in stitches every time - I look at it as a bit of a blessing, the stars looking down on me and saying you're still in this to win it, or whatever the case maybe.' The Only Fools performance was followed by the regular role of Winston in The Lenny Henry Show, as well as an episode of French & Saunders, and then three seasons of teen comedy Spatz. Through the 90s Vas also appeared in the likes of The Bill and Casualty before landing possibly his biggest role as gangster Rory Breaker. The black comedy crime caper, made for less than a £1million, was met with critical acclaim and major commercial success. 'To have worked with Guy on his first film, it set me in stone there and then. It's an iconic role, it's all there,' says Vas. To have worked with Guy on his first film, it set me in stone there and then. It's an iconic role, it's all there. Vas Blackwoodon working with Guy Ritchie 'Watching that film just reminds me of London,' he continues, laughing. 'If you know the streets how I know them, there's all these characters, they might be shady but they have a sense of humour. 'It's all a mix-up and that's London to me.' Vas based Breaker on two people he knew growing up, one was Gilbert Wynter, a jeweller and enforcer for the Adams crime family who disappeared without a trace the same year Lock, Stock was released. 'I went to school with Gilbert, he was a soft touch, really, but a character,' says Vas. The other inspiration was Trevor Smith, a bank robber who rubbed shoulders with 'loveable rogues' in high end Chelsea. 32 32 32 The casting had been a bit of a mishmash. The film had been due to be shot the year before but then the investment fell through. Vas says: 'I wasn't attached at first. When the money came through again a lot of the actors cast had moved on to different jobs so there was availability. 'I can't say they got second best because it's such a successful film,' he says, laughing. 'It's all about timing. It wasn't the right thing with the first cast.' Lock, Stock casting process He remembers Ritchie telling him how much he loved his performance as Winston in the Lenny Henry Show, and how he'd watch it when he got home from college. 'He had me in mind from that role,' explains Vas. At one stage during the audition, Ritchie asked him to run his lines and began filming him from different angles. 'He knew he wanted me to do it, but he was more interested in the camera than what I was saying,' says Vas. 'He was fitting faces in his mind.' He recalled as they headed into another office, Ritchie began asking him about taxes. 'It was due to him being a young director and not understanding everything, so I gave him advice and he was happy and we were on,' Vas says. 32 32 32 'I just knew he was special, there was something about him.' He says the energy on set was electric, but everyone 'would come in ready to give 110%' each day. 'We all got our heads down and delivered for Guy.' Vas goes on to say: 'The shooting schedule was broken up unusually - it was how Guy wanted to work.' He remembers Ritchie sitting by a monitor rather than behind the camera on set for his scenes. 'He never once came and talked to me about my performance. I'd say 'Guy, how was that?' and he'd reply 'that's great, no problem'. 'It was all in the edit for him and I was doing exactly what was on the paper.' However, there was always room for ideas. Having grown up around Cypriots in Kentish Town, Vas had suggested he speak some Greek in the film - which Ritchie allowed, and even came up with the idea for Breaker's iconic wig. 'I met my character's minders and they had bald heads and I was bald, so I said 'maybe it would have more impact if I was wearing a wig',' says Vas. 'Guy said 'leave it with me'. I turned up on set to get my make up and costume sorted and they had a wig,' he says. Vas was due to appear in Ritchie's follow-up movie Snatch two years later but other commitments meant he was forced to drop out. 32 32 While further Ritchie projects, which he didn't reveal, 'didn't fit quite right'. But the pair remain close. 'Guy's like a brother to me, we talk as often as possible,' says Vas. 'I'm sure we'll do something else - it's all about the style of the role. 'If it fits, it fits. They don't need to audition me, if they know there's something I could master. We don't beg for anything, it's how our relationship is. We're always batting and balling with things like that.' Working with Jason Statham In 2001, Vas would go on to appear in Mean Machine, reuniting with Lock, Stock castmates Vinnie Jones and Jason Statham, the latter of which was already making waves in the US. 'Jason was working his way up,' he says. 'He came over from America to do the role - he was very close with Vinnie. He was on that trajectory. 'Jason Statham has an appetite for learning. That's why he is where he is now, he takes everything on as mute, he doesn't take things for granted.' Vas says it was actually Jones who ensured Lock, Stock even got made. 'Not a lot of people know this but Vinnie was the seed investor for Lock, Stock,' he explains. 'He put 100 grand up. When he left football he was very serious about the acting and he was looking for stuff.' 32 32 32 Ritchie and producer Matthew Vaughn were 'running around' with the script trying to find funding and it came by Jones, and he loved it, says Vas. 'He put the first 100k down, then more investors followed. The rest is history.' Vas had first met Jones through footballer pal Jon Fashnu, with Fashnu and Jones being part of Crystal Palace's infamous 'Crazy Gang'. 'With Vinnie Jones, you can be walking in a forest with him, or down a street - he'll say 'what tree's that?'' says Vas. 'If it's got apples you'll say 'an apple tree'. But he'll know exactly what tree it is and what birds live in it. 'He likes the outdoors and bit of the hunting. And with trees, if it's an apple tree he'll tell you what type of apple it is. 'A lot of people are talking about saving the planet, but they can't do that.' Vas would go on to star in the likes of horror film Creep (2004) and provide voice work for video game Fable II (2008) and TV series Thunderbirds Are Go, among other live action roles, including two White Collar Hooligan films and Inbetweener James Buckley-starring The Comedian's Guide to Survival (2016). He got involved in Brit Movie Tours in around 2018. His Lock, Stock co-star Stephen Marcus, who played Nick the Greek, had initially run it before relocating to LA. After a little hesitancy, Vas agreed to take it on for select dates when he's back in London. 32 32 'I get 50 plus people,' he says. 'I get loads of people, they love it. I do it like a theatre performance, you get value for your money.' Many customers want him to recite lines from his famous performances and he's happy to oblige. 'They say, 'can you say that line?' I say 'why not?' and pretend like they're the first-ever person to ask. If the lines were terrible they wouldn't say anything, so I don't mind.' He adds: 'You get dads and mums coming with their kids who are die hard Only Fools and Horses fans, and I'm thinking 'that's another market there'.' He's always fascinated by how much interest there is in infamous bad guys like the Krays. His daughter went on a Pablo Escobar tour in Columbia which is run by the drug king pin's son and which ends at his grave. 'You can have a line of coke on his grave,' he says. 'Not that she did.' Describing his own interest in the Krays, he explains: 'Whatever they got involved in, there's a lot of folklore, with a lot of bad there comes a lot of good. 'We shouldn't judge too hard. If you commit a crime and go to prison, who am I to judge you? 'You've been locked up for a period of your life and that's your punishment.' Referring to the Krays, he says: 'I've fallen in love with the in-between bits. 'We're all just getting on with our lives in our own way.' Do you have a story? Email
Geek Tyrant
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
Guy Ritchie Bows Out of ROAD HOUSE 2 as Director — GeekTyrant
Guy Ritchie is no longer directing Road House 2 as the filmmaker, known for his stylish action, quirky character, and quick-fire storytelling, has exited the Amazon MGM sequel ahead of its planned September shoot. No official reason has been given for his departure. The sequel sees Jake Gyllenhaal returning as Dalton, following up on last year's Road House reboot, a gritty, hardcore reimagining of the 1989 Patrick Swayze cult classic. The first film dropped on Prime Video in March 2024 and turned out to be a massive hit for the streamer. According to then-Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke, the movie 'attracted nearly 80 million worldwide viewers in its first eight weeks to become the studio's most-watched produced film debut ever on a worldwide basis.' The Road House reboot had Gyllenhaal playing a down-and-out ex-UFC fighter who winds up working security at a bar in the Florida Keys only to get tangled up in a violent turf war with bikers, outlaws, and a shady resort developer. The movie was pure and chaotic fun. Will Beall ( Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F ) is writting the sequel, though plot details are still being kept under wraps. Dave Bautista was reportedly circling the sequel as part of the cast, though with Ritchie stepping away, it's unclear whether casting or creative plans will shift. It's also worth noting that the Road House franchise hasn't exactly had the smoothest behind-the-scenes journey. Director Doug Liman , who helmed the reboot, publicly expressed his disappointment with the film's straight-to-streaming release. In a previous interview, Liman said his frustrations came from not being properly compensated after the film's original theatrical plans were scrapped following Amazon's acquisition of MGM. Ritchie previously worked with Gyllenhaal on The Covenant and is teaming up with him again for the upcoming action thriller In the Grey , also at Amazon MGM. Meanwhile, Ritchie's next directorial effort is Wife & Dog , a black comedy starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Rosamund Pike, and Anthony Hopkins. As for Road House 2, production is still slated to begin this fall, Amaazon just needs to find new director to take on the challenge of helming it.
Perth Now
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Guy Ritchie pulls out of Road House 2`
Guy Ritchie has pulled out of directing Road House 2. The Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels filmmaker had been due to work on the follow-up to Jake Gyllenhaal's 2024 movie - which was one of Prime Video's most-watched films, pulling in over 80 million viewers in its first eight weeks - for Amazon MGM Studios, but Deadline reports he is no longer involved in the project. No reason has been given as to why Guy unattached himself from Road House 2. The film is still an important priority for the studio and it is still planned to start shooting in the autumn, with a search currently underway for a new director. Road House 2 will see Jake reprise his role as former UFC fighter Dalton and has a script written by Bad Boys: Ride or Die scribe Will Beall. Last year's movie, which was directed by Doug Liman, was a remake of the 1989 action film of the same name. The director initially declined to attend the Road House premiere at the South by Southwest Film and TV Festival over Amazon MGM Studios' decision not to release the movie in cinemas - but he ultimately changed his mind and received a standing ovation. Doug had explained his issue with the decision to only release the film via Amazon Prime Video in an essay written for revealing he signed up to make a "theatrical" movie for MGM but that changed when Amazon bought the studio. He went on to accuse Amazon bosses of "no interest in supporting cinemas" and hurting "both the filmmakers and stars of 'Road House'". He wrote: "When Road House opens the SXSW film festival, I won't be attending. The movie is fantastic, maybe my best, and I'm sure it will bring the house down and possibly have the audience dancing in their seats during the end credits. But I will not be there. My plan had been to silently protest Amazon's decision to stream a movie so clearly made for the big screen. But Amazon is hurting way more than just me and my film ... "Contrary to their public statements, Amazon has no interest in supporting cinemas. Amazon will exclusively stream Road House on Amazon's Prime ... That hurts the filmmakers and stars of Road House who don't share in the upside of a hit movie on a streaming platform. "And they deprive Jake Gyllenhaal - who gives a career-best performance - the opportunity to be recognised come award season. But the impact goes far beyond this one movie. This could be industry shaping for decades to come."
The Irish Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Huge Hollywood star opens new Texas-style BBQ joint – in the middle of a UK airfield
A FAMOUS movie director has opened a Texas barbeque joint... on a vintage airfield. Advertisement 4 A famous movie director has opened a Texas barbeque joint… in England Credit: Instagram 4 Guy Ritchie's Lore of the Sky restaurant has opened in Compton Abbas Airfield in Dorset Credit: Instagram Set at the airfield, with views across Shaftesbury, Lore of the Sky serves up typical Texas barbecue dishes that are smoked on-site. According to the restaurant's Instagram, the spot serves up "smoked flavour, countryside views, and aviation history in full flight". Having opened seven weeks ago, the menu boasts dishes crafted by Chef Alex Brown including oak-smoked pork belly and loaded nachos. And despite being a meat-loving Advertisement Read more on travel inspo The restaurant also serves breakfast options including a smokehouse breakfast for £9.95 or smokehouse pancakes for £7.50. As for the airfield itself, visitors can investigate The airfield also hosts a number of events throughout the year including 'Warbird Weekends' taking place from July 24-27 and July 31 to August 3. Over the weekends, visitors can see iconic aircraft including a Advertisement Most read in News Travel One visitor commented: "I would recommend this place to anyone." Yet reviews for the destination have been mixed. Pub With A 'Floating' Beer Garden By The Beach According to He added: "They call this dirty food. I'd say it was just filthy." Advertisement The entire airfield is owned by Guy Ritchie, who bought it back in 2023 and it has also been used for films including Lawrence: After Arabia. In an interview with future he hopes to have an experience at the site where visitors can walk through the hangars. 4 Set at the airfield, with views across Shaftesbury, Lore of the Sky serves up typical Texas barbecue dishes that are smoked onsite Credit: Instagram Advertisement Unlike Lore of the Sky, this spot in Fitzrovia is a traditional British pub that serves food and drink over three floors, including Sunday roasts. The film director also previously co-owned The Walmer Castle in Notting Hill with David Beckham. Then, close to Compton Abbas Airfield, is Gritchie Brewing Company – the film director's 'beer farm'. For £15 per person visitors can go on a tour of the brewery - which lasts between an hour and an hour-and-a-half. Advertisement A the Beckhams and Ed Sheeran. Plus, the 4 As for the airfield itself, visitors can investigate historic aircraft and even do a bit of plane spotting Credit: Instagram
Scottish Sun
08-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Huge Hollywood star opens new Texas-style BBQ joint – in the middle of a UK airfield
Plus, the star has his own brewery close-by SMOKE SHOW Huge Hollywood star opens new Texas-style BBQ joint – in the middle of a UK airfield A FAMOUS movie director has opened a Texas barbeque joint... on a vintage airfield. Guy Ritchie's Lore of the Sky restaurant has opened in Compton Abbas Airfield in Dorset. Advertisement 4 A famous movie director has opened a Texas barbeque joint… in England Credit: Instagram 4 Guy Ritchie's Lore of the Sky restaurant has opened in Compton Abbas Airfield in Dorset Credit: Instagram Set at the airfield, with views across Shaftesbury, Lore of the Sky serves up typical Texas barbecue dishes that are smoked on-site. According to the restaurant's Instagram, the spot serves up "smoked flavour, countryside views, and aviation history in full flight". Having opened seven weeks ago, the menu boasts dishes crafted by Chef Alex Brown including oak-smoked pork belly and loaded nachos. And despite being a meat-loving Texas-themed joint, there are also options for veggies with jackfruit burgers made in a smoker available too. Advertisement The restaurant also serves breakfast options including a smokehouse breakfast for £9.95 or smokehouse pancakes for £7.50. As for the airfield itself, visitors can investigate historic aircraft and even do a bit of plane spotting. The airfield also hosts a number of events throughout the year including 'Warbird Weekends' taking place from July 24-27 and July 31 to August 3. Over the weekends, visitors can see iconic aircraft including a Spitfire. Advertisement One visitor commented: "I would recommend this place to anyone." Yet reviews for the destination have been mixed. Pub With A 'Floating' Beer Garden By The Beach According to The Telegraph's restaurant critic, William Sitwell, his experience of Guy's restaurant was that it was his "foulest lunch of the year". He added: "They call this dirty food. I'd say it was just filthy." Advertisement The entire airfield is owned by Guy Ritchie, who bought it back in 2023 and it has also been used for films including Lawrence: After Arabia. In an interview with Flyer, Guy shared that in the future he hopes to have an experience at the site where visitors can walk through the hangars. Guy Ritchie also has a restaurant in London called Lore of the Land. 4 Set at the airfield, with views across Shaftesbury, Lore of the Sky serves up typical Texas barbecue dishes that are smoked onsite Credit: Instagram Advertisement Unlike Lore of the Sky, this spot in Fitzrovia is a traditional British pub that serves food and drink over three floors, including Sunday roasts. The film director also previously co-owned The Walmer Castle in Notting Hill with David Beckham. Then, close to Compton Abbas Airfield, is Gritchie Brewing Company – the film director's 'beer farm'. For £15 per person visitors can go on a tour of the brewery - which lasts between an hour and an hour-and-a-half. Advertisement A 'professional pub drinker' has also shared the London boozers where you might see stars like the Beckhams and Ed Sheeran. Plus, the UK pub secretly visited by Ariana Grande that's 'never been busier'.
