Netflix has confirmed two eagerly anticipated additions to the TOP BOY universe, with JONNY BOY and JAQ officially greenlit as spin-off series expanding Ronan Bennett’s East London crime saga. The announcement marks a significant new chapter for a story that has captivated audiences with its unflinching portrayal of London’s underworld, and this time the spotlight falls squarely on two of the saga’s most compelling characters.

JONNY BOY, a five-episode prequel penned by Bennett himself, sees Ali Abbasi step into the director’s chair to trace the origin story of Irish gangster Jonny McGee. Oscar nominee Barry Keoghan takes on the role, bringing his considerable talents to a character whose backstory has long intrigued fans of the original series. Keoghan also steps behind the camera as executive producer through his Wolfcub Productions banner, working alongside Des Byrne and joining forces with the show’s established creative team of Ronan Bennett, Charles Steel, Alasdair Flind, Aubrey “Drake” Graham, Adel “Future” Nur, Maverick Carter, and Jamal Henderson.

The second spin-off, JAQ, shifts focus to Jacqueline, the fierce and unforgettable character brought to life by BAFTA TV Award winner Jasmine Jobson. Created and written by Ryan Calais Cameron, this six-episode series follows Jacqueline’s journey beyond the Summerhouse estate, promising to explore new dimensions of a character who became a fan favourite throughout the original run of TOP BOY. Jobson and Cameron take on executive producer duties, working in tandem with the core production team that has guided the franchise from the start.

Both series are set to begin filming in 2027, though Netflix has yet to confirm official release dates. With two such distinct stories emerging from the same rich world, and with Irish talent front and centre in Barry Keoghan’s leading role, the expansion of the TOP BOY universe looks set to deliver something fresh for longtime fans and newcomers alike.