Theo James, best known for his role in the Netflix series The Gentlemen, recently opened a second Italian restaurant in London called Ornella — the venue has no signage and blends into the neighborhood, drawing locals and passersby with its understated charm. James, dressed in casual attire and appearing relaxed, described a forthcoming outdoor event with a DJ and a lively atmosphere.

Rising Popularity of ‘The Gentlemen’ Season 2

Following the release of the second season of The Gentlemen, the show climbed to the second spot in Netflix Argentina’s most-watched series rankings; the show, which features James in the lead role, has remained a consistent favorite among viewers. It currently has two seasons available on the platform and competes with other top titles like Mal de amores, which holds the first position.

The Gentlemen follows the intertwined stories of the Horniman family and the criminal Glass family, blending drama and comedy in a tale of power, wealth, and unexpected twists. James is joined by Kaya Scodelario and Daniel Ings in the ensemble cast; the show’s resurgence was enough to push it back into the top three of the streaming service’s most-watched content in Argentina.

Stella Artois and Netflix Partner for Global Campaign

In a first-time collaboration, Stella Artois has partnered with Netflix for a global campaign tied to The Gentlemen Season 2, though the campaign, titled The Gentlemen’s Serve, reimagines the brand’s signature five-step serving method through the lens of the show’s gritty, stylish universe. Developed by GUT Amsterdam in collaboration with Netflix’s Brand Studio, the campaign features James as well as Stella Artois ambassador Sir David Beckham.

The campaign’s central idea is that serving a Stella Artois is more than just pouring a drink, it’s a strategic move in a power play. A key video, The Auction, features Beckham and James’s character, Eddie Horniman, in a tense negotiation where a perfectly poured beer serves as both a gesture and a warning. Additional short films break down the five steps of the serving process into themes like The Clean-Up, The Sacrifice, and The Judgement, aligning with the show’s tone of calculated control and risk.

James Balances Acting and Entrepreneurship

While The Gentlemen continues to draw attention, James has also been expanding his ventures in the food industry — Ornella, his second restaurant, recently opened in London Fields. The space is understated but well-used, with a warm yellow hue and a relaxed vibe. James, who greeted staff and exchanged hugs with the head chef, appears to have cleanly transitioned into the role of restaurateur, maintaining a low profile despite his fame.

James reflected on his career, noting, “Ya soy demasiado mayor para ser James Bond. Y es uno de esos personajes de los que uno luego nunca se recupera,” acknowledging that the Bond role might not be a fit for him at this stage of his career. His openness and approachable demeanor contrast with the more intense characters he plays on screen, adding to his appeal both as an actor and a public figure.