Search is on for city extras to appear in prequel to cult film Sexy Beast

By Janet Tansley

City casting agents are on the hunt for extras to appear in the prequel to cult gangster movie, Sexy Beast.

Impact Casting, based in Calderstones, says it’s had a great response to a shout out for background artists for the Paramount+ series linked to the iconic 2000 hit which starred Ben Kingsley and Ray Winstone.

Christine Cartwright says: “The response we’ve had is not a surprise to us because we always get a great response to call outs, particularly for high-profile, exciting opportunities such as this.

“And it’s always nice to see positive reactions.”

But she said the search is still on: “We need lots more people.”

Filming for the Sexy Beast prequel began in the city in August and is set to continue until February next year.

Cast and crew were spotted in Rumford Street in the city centre in summer, and Anfield was transformed into the London borough of Hackney.

The UK drama stars James McArdle as Gal Dove and Emun Elliott as Don Logan – the roles played by Ray Winstone and Ben Kingsley respectively in the original film.

Kingsley received an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Logan who pressures ‘retired’ safecracker Gal into taking on one last job.

The prequel will explore their journey as best friends and small-time thieves living the good life in ‘90s East London and how their friendship is put to the test when Gal descends further into the criminal underworld.

Tamsin Greig and True Blood’s Stephen Moyer will also star.

Impact Casting is looking for people who can join them in the major series which is set to debut next year.

Christine says: “We have worked on a variety of projects across the north and north west, notably in the last 12 months the recently released film ‘Emily’, and the TV series’ ‘Four lives’, along with Liverpool-based productions ‘Funny Woman’ and ‘Midas Man’. 

“And we continue to work on local soaps such as Hollyoaks and Coronation Street.”

For productions like Sexy Beast, Impact works with Liverpool Film Office and Christine adds: “It’s great, as a local talent agency, to be involved in such a big project.”

With filming continuing into the new year, Christine says they are constantly on the lookout for new faces but they need to have a certain look to fit in with the ‘70s and ‘90s era in which the series is set.

“We are really looking for guys with longish hair, particularly not cut faded at the sides or back as is fashionable now.

“Ladies, no highlights and hair not too long, and hair extensions are a no-no as are fillers and tattooed eyebrows – again, a no-no for the era of filming.”

If you fancy your chances of appearing on this prequel to Sexy Beast and think you fit the bill, contact Impact here.