The Happy Mondays icons, whose contributions to Manchester’s legendary music scene are cemented in history, are now flexing their acting muscles in an upcoming British gangster film titled Geezers.
Principal photography has officially begun, and the two Manc legends have joined forces with an international cast in what promises to be an explosive crime caper.
Geezers with Shaun and Bez
Shaun Ryder, known for his unmistakable voice and infamous past, is no stranger to playing larger-than-life roles.
But this time, the man who famously sang, “You’re twisting my melon, man!” is stepping into a role that feels eerily like life imitating art.
Ryder will portray an “insane” drug dealer, a character that taps into his personal history, including his well-publicised struggles with heroin and crack cocaine addiction during the peak of his Happy Mondays fame.
It’s a role he’s called “f***ing insane,” and one that fans are sure to see as a nod to his wild past.
Bez, Ryder’s equally eccentric bandmate and long-time partner in crime, will also appear in the film, marking a reunion of sorts for the two, though this time it’s under much darker circumstances.
“A fast-paced crime and action movie”
Far from their usual chaotic but cheerful personas on shows like Celebrity Gogglebox, the pair will navigate the dangerous world of crime and rival gangs in this fast-paced action movie.
Set against the gritty backdrop of Warrington and Manchester, Geezers is a high-octane tale of stolen cash, rival gangs, and wannabe criminals who are way over their heads.
Inspiration from Snatch and John Wick
Written and directed by Ciaron Davies, the film draws inspiration from cult classics like Snatch and John Wick, promising car chases, brutal shootouts, and a stylistic nod to Hong Kong cinema.
With tactical stunt work and visually gripping action sequences, Davies hopes to inject new life into the British gangster genre.
Alongside Ryder and Bez, the cast boasts names like Hannah Bang Bendz (Wrath of Dracula), Sean Cronin (Mission Impossible), and Steven Woollard, ensuring that Geezers will have a dynamic, diverse lineup both familiar and fresh.
Some of the filming spots in Warrington include The Brass Monkey pool bar and Culcheth Village.
Ryder’s own admission that he’s “never been busier” seems to ring true, and it looks like both he and Bez are about to take their madcap chemistry to an entirely new level.
With Geezers blending Manchester’s musical legends with gripping gangster thrills, this film could well be one for both cinema buffs and Madchester fans alike. Get ready for a ride that promises to be as wild and unpredictable as Shaun Ryder and Bez themselves
You can find out more about Geezers on IMDB here