Netflix has officially greenlit “Jonny Boy,” an explosive five-episode prequel series expanding the gritty universe of its BAFTA-winning British crime drama “Top Boy.” This much-anticipated streaming production features Oscar-nominated actor Barry Keoghan, who reprises his brilliantly menacing role as Jonny McGee. Consequently, the newly announced streaming show will dive straight into the brutal origins of this ruthless Irish crime family.
The announcement was made at the Edinburgh TV Festival, sparking massive excitement across the global entertainment industry. Series creator Ronan Bennett returns to write and executive-produce this prequel alongside Canadian rap icon Drake to maintain the particular cultural sharpness that fans worldwide expect.
The Expansion of an Urban TV Empire
Announcing two new series from the world of TOP BOY:
JONNY BOY – A five-episode prequel that sees Barry Keoghan reprising his role as Jonny. Written and created by Ronan Bennett.
JAQ (working title) – A new story centered on Jaq, with Jasmine Jobson set to return. Created and… pic.twitter.com/NP24ch8I0F
— Netflix (@netflix) August 26, 2026
The expansion of “Top Boy” on Netflix worldwide highlights a significant shift in contemporary British crime television. When the original series debuted on Channel 4 back in 2011, few predicted its eventual global impact. It initially focused on the fictional Summerhouse estate in Hackney. However, the show’s cancellation after two seasons temporarily halted that compelling narrative.
Fortunately, global superstar Drake intervened after discovering the series online. He subsequently helped orchestrate a high-profile revival on Netflix in 2019. The platform successfully aired three acclaimed seasons before concluding the main storyline in 2023. Now, the streaming giant is doubling down on this lucrative intellectual property with two distinct television projects.
The Rise of Jonny McGee
The upcoming crime drama will transport viewers back to the formative years of a truly terrifying screen presence. Fans of the show originally encountered Jonny McGee during the explosive fifth and final season of the main London series in 2023. During those episodes, he operated as a high-ranking enforcer and primary drug distributor for his powerful uncle, Tadgh McGee.
Brian Gleeson brilliantly portrayed Tadgh, creating an indelible image of cross-border criminal enterprise and ruthless dominance. Consequently, this upcoming origin story will detail how Jonny rose through the ranks of the Irish mob. He managed to forge a drug supply chain that eventually compromised the concrete kingdom of the Hackney drug trade.
The character left a trail of chaos that permanently altered the fates of Dushane Hill and Sully. Although his appearance was brief, Jonny quickly became a fan-favorite villain due to his psychotic demeanor and volatile nature. Therefore, providing a dedicated origin story seems like a natural progression for the expanding franchise.
Creative Forces Uniting Behind the Camera
Ronan Bennett will pen the script under his Easter Partisan Films banner to maintain structural continuity. In fact, Bennett admitted that writing Irish criminal characters has always allowed him to explore deep sociological tension. He previously revealed that Keoghan actually contacted him directly to express intense admiration for the original television series.
The acclaimed writer welcomed the Hollywood star with open arms, knowing his raw energy would elevate the material. To ensure maximum prestige, Netflix recruited director Ali Abbasi to helm the five dark, fast-paced episodes. Abbasi recently sparked significant conversation in the cinematic world with his controversial corporate-biographical feature film, “The Apprentice.”
Additionally, his exceptional directorial work on the acclaimed television adaptation of “The Last of Us” proves his expertise. His unique visual aesthetic will undoubtedly bring a cold, cinematic grandeur to the rain-slicked streets of London. The production will seamlessly merge the bleak aesthetics of classic British noir with contemporary, pulse-pounding thriller elements.
The Meteoric Rise of Barry Keoghan
Securing Barry Keoghan for a return to television represents a massive victory for Netflix. The Dublin-born actor has rapidly transitioned into one of the most sought-after talents in Hollywood. He previously earned an Academy Award nomination for his stellar performance in “The Banshees of Inisherin.” Following that success, his leading role in Emerald Fennell’s provocative thriller “Saltburn” generated immense pop-culture conversation.
His upcoming schedule remains incredibly dense with massive cinematic projects. For instance, he is slated to portray Ringo Starr in Sam Mendes’ upcoming “Beatles” biopics. He will also reprise his high-profile role as the Joker in “The Batman: Part II.” Despite these major Hollywood commitments, his return to the London underground proves his enduring passion for gritty storytelling.
A Double Expansion for the Top Boy Universe
Interestingly, “Jonny Boy” is not the only spin-off entering active production at Netflix. The streamer simultaneously announced a separate sequel series centered entirely on the character Jaq Lawrence. Jasmine Jobson will naturally reprise her role following her well-deserved BAFTA Television Award victory for Best Supporting Actress.
That separate project will feature six episodes written by the highly celebrated playwright Ryan Calais Cameron. Cameron gained widespread theatrical fame for his phenomenal, award-winning stage production, “For Black Boys Who Have Considered Suicide.” Netflix is clearly investing heavily in top-tier British and Irish creative writing talent to sustain its momentum.
Production Timelines and High Industry Stakes
Both television series are scheduled to begin filming across the United Kingdom in 2027. Fans must wait a bit longer to witness these new narrative chapters unfold. Traditional production partners like Cowboy Films remain heavily involved in financing and logistical management. DreamCrew Entertainment and SpringHill Studios also return to provide substantial executive oversight.
The main challenge for the upcoming prequel involves maintaining the absolute realism of the original show. The original drama succeeded because it felt deeply connected to genuine street culture and socio-economic struggles. It avoided glamorous Hollywood tropes in favor of raw, human storytelling. Therefore, the creative team must balance Jonny’s erratic nature with authentic structural depth.
What to Expect from the Story
While exact plot points remain heavily guarded secrets, industry insiders hint at an expansive international narrative. The show will likely bridge the dangerous criminal landscapes of Dublin, Liverpool, and the boroughs of East London. It will demonstrate how the Irish mob established secure supply routes through immense tactical brutality and political corruption.
Viewers can expect to witness the early friction between Jonny and his overbearing uncle Tadgh McGee. This relationship dynamic will inevitably explain the psychological damage that turned Jonny into a cold-blooded monster. It will also provide essential context regarding the global narcotics trade that fueled the main series for years.
The series will certainly retain the bleak realism and social commentary that defined Bennett’s original television masterpiece. By stripping away the glamorous myths of organized crime, it will highlight the tragic cost of systemic violence. Ultimately, “Jonny Boy” promises to be an essential television event that redefines the parameters of British television noir.
Featured image: Netflix
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