Long before Rockstar Games became known for the billion-dollar franchises like Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption, the studio tried its hand at something very different: movies. Exactly 21 years ago this week, the studio stepped outside of game development and into film production, and helped bring The Football Factory to UK theaters on May 14, 2004.
You may have seen this movie at some point because it is quite a cult classic, especially among the British audience. But at the time, it didn’t achieve the multi-million or even billion-dollar successes that blockbuster movies have today. Which is fair because it wasn’t a blockbuster in the first place.
Did you even know that Rockstar made a movie? The movie is so old that you probably don’t even remember it. | Image Credit: Rockstar
The Football Factory follows Tommy Johnson, a hardened Chelsea “firm” member who lives for late-night brawls and heavy drinking.
You may have seen this movie at some point because it is quite a cult classic, especially among the British audience. But at the time, it didn’t achieve the multi-million or even billion-dollar successes that blockbuster movies have today. Which is fair because it wasn’t a blockbuster in the first place.
Did you even know that Rockstar made a movie? The movie is so old that you probably don’t even remember it. | Image Credit: Rockstar
The Football Factory follows Tommy Johnson, a hardened Chelsea “firm” member who lives for late-night brawls and heavy drinking.
- 5/15/2025
- by Daniel Royte
- FandomWire
This article contains spoilers for "Sinners."
Think about this question long and hard: What would you be willing to sacrifice in order to achieve greatness? As our society descends into a neverending cycle of narcissism and self-promotion thanks to the reign of social media, it feels like the majority of people wouldn't think twice about sacrificing their dignity, thoughts, or time to achieve fame and/or fortune. Yet greatness is something more than mere popularity or notoriety; it also involves a sincere desire to master the craft. One of the most frustrating things about achieving greatness is that talent and hard work are only half the battle, because you need a lot of luck, too. If some supernatural force approached you and made you a deal where your greatness could be guaranteed in exchange for your soul, would you take the deal, or find yourself battling the temptation toward darkness within and without you?...
Think about this question long and hard: What would you be willing to sacrifice in order to achieve greatness? As our society descends into a neverending cycle of narcissism and self-promotion thanks to the reign of social media, it feels like the majority of people wouldn't think twice about sacrificing their dignity, thoughts, or time to achieve fame and/or fortune. Yet greatness is something more than mere popularity or notoriety; it also involves a sincere desire to master the craft. One of the most frustrating things about achieving greatness is that talent and hard work are only half the battle, because you need a lot of luck, too. If some supernatural force approached you and made you a deal where your greatness could be guaranteed in exchange for your soul, would you take the deal, or find yourself battling the temptation toward darkness within and without you?...
- 4/19/2025
- by Bill Bria
- Slash Film
Producers on Ryan Coogler’s Sinners said shooting the director’s vampire feature in New Orleans “could not have been more difficult” thanks to the extreme weather.
Producer Sev Ohanian spoke to Screen at the European premiere in London last night (April 14) and explained why the Louisiana city was chosen.
“There’s only a couple of places in America that can really work for [this film],” Ohanian said of the Warner Bros feature, which stars Michael B. Jordan in two roles as twins who return home to Mississippi during the 1930s to find a great evil waiting for them.
“New Orleans just...
Producer Sev Ohanian spoke to Screen at the European premiere in London last night (April 14) and explained why the Louisiana city was chosen.
“There’s only a couple of places in America that can really work for [this film],” Ohanian said of the Warner Bros feature, which stars Michael B. Jordan in two roles as twins who return home to Mississippi during the 1930s to find a great evil waiting for them.
“New Orleans just...
- 4/15/2025
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: “It’s good to feel like you have range, which is something I’ve never been acknowledged for,” Danny Dyer told Deadline as he reacted to his first ever BAFTA nom and a double award win for Disney+ hit Rivals.
Known for portraying ‘hard men’ and for performances in the likes of The Football Factory and EastEnders, along with hosting a hit podcast with his daughter, Dyer has been in something of a purple patch of late.
He won Rts and Bpg awards for his role as Freddie Jones in Rivals and has been recognized by BAFTA for a different show, Sky’s Mr Bigstuff, where he is up for Male Performance in a Comedy against the likes of Kaos’ Nabhaan Rizwan and Smoggie Queens lead Phil Dunning.
“Arguably these two jobs were my best work to date,” said Dyer. “I’ve done films back to back that were...
Known for portraying ‘hard men’ and for performances in the likes of The Football Factory and EastEnders, along with hosting a hit podcast with his daughter, Dyer has been in something of a purple patch of late.
He won Rts and Bpg awards for his role as Freddie Jones in Rivals and has been recognized by BAFTA for a different show, Sky’s Mr Bigstuff, where he is up for Male Performance in a Comedy against the likes of Kaos’ Nabhaan Rizwan and Smoggie Queens lead Phil Dunning.
“Arguably these two jobs were my best work to date,” said Dyer. “I’ve done films back to back that were...
- 4/10/2025
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
In the Coen Brothers’ 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou, Chris Thomas King plays Tommy Johnson, a young blues guitarist modeled on the real-life musician Robert Johnson. Though he plays his acoustic guitar and sings a lot like the legendary Delta blues artist, there is not very much else that approximates Robert Johnson. Tommy is a happily-go-lucky character who comes to a rather pleasant ending at the fictional movie’s close.
The real Robert Johnson did not lead a particularly happy life and was dead by 27, the victim of some poisoned whiskey.
Now, I say Johnson was not especially happy, but if I’m being honest, I have to admit that I don’t really know. The fact is, very little is actually known about Robert Johnson. He was born in 1911 and died in 1938, He spent most of his life in Mississippi. Beyond that, we have 29 recorded songs that helped...
The real Robert Johnson did not lead a particularly happy life and was dead by 27, the victim of some poisoned whiskey.
Now, I say Johnson was not especially happy, but if I’m being honest, I have to admit that I don’t really know. The fact is, very little is actually known about Robert Johnson. He was born in 1911 and died in 1938, He spent most of his life in Mississippi. Beyond that, we have 29 recorded songs that helped...
- 2/20/2025
- by Jonathan Eig
- Netflix Life
‘Sinners’ Trailer – Ryan Coogler’s Vampire Movie Inspired by ‘From Dusk Till Dawn’ and ‘Salem’s Lot’
The night belongs to sinners in Ryan Coogler’s (Creed, Black Panther) new horror movie Sinners, and Warner Bros. has unleashed the official trailer this afternoon.
Michael B. Jordan stars in dual roles. Sink your teeth into the official trailer for Sinners below, which Warner Bros. is describing as “a new vision of fear from Ryan Coogler.”
You keep dancing with the devil, one day he’s gonna follow you home…
Sinners will be released in theaters on April 18, 2025. Here’s the synopsis:
“Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers (Jordan) return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.”
“Sinners is a unique one. It’s genre fluid. There are vampires in the film, but it’s really about a lot more than just that. It’s one of many elements, I’ll say. I...
Michael B. Jordan stars in dual roles. Sink your teeth into the official trailer for Sinners below, which Warner Bros. is describing as “a new vision of fear from Ryan Coogler.”
You keep dancing with the devil, one day he’s gonna follow you home…
Sinners will be released in theaters on April 18, 2025. Here’s the synopsis:
“Trying to leave their troubled lives behind, twin brothers (Jordan) return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.”
“Sinners is a unique one. It’s genre fluid. There are vampires in the film, but it’s really about a lot more than just that. It’s one of many elements, I’ll say. I...
- 1/28/2025
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
Quick Links Does 'O Brother, Where Art Thou' Adapt 'The Odyssey?' Why Is It So Hard to Adapt 'The Odyssey,' and How Did the Coen Brothers Try? 'O Brother, Where Art Thou' Is One of the Best 'Odyssey' Reimaginings
Christopher Nolan’s first post-Oppenheimer project is coming together. After months of speculation alongside announcements of a superstar cast, including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Charlize Theron, and Robert Pattinson, Universal confirmed this week that the film will be a new adaptation of Homer’s epic Greek poem, The Odyssey. Considering many have long considered the source material to be unadaptable, it’s an ambitious undertaking for Nolan to take after winning his long-awaited Oscar, but if anyone can handle the scope of such a project, it’s him.
Yet there actually have been several loose adaptations of The Odyssey over the years. Considering how it’s one...
Christopher Nolan’s first post-Oppenheimer project is coming together. After months of speculation alongside announcements of a superstar cast, including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Charlize Theron, and Robert Pattinson, Universal confirmed this week that the film will be a new adaptation of Homer’s epic Greek poem, The Odyssey. Considering many have long considered the source material to be unadaptable, it’s an ambitious undertaking for Nolan to take after winning his long-awaited Oscar, but if anyone can handle the scope of such a project, it’s him.
Yet there actually have been several loose adaptations of The Odyssey over the years. Considering how it’s one...
- 12/25/2024
- by Brian Kirchgessner
- MovieWeb
Tommy Johnson's weight loss journey had a positive impact on his health and well-being after years of struggle with obesity. Despite facing psychological scars from childhood trauma, Tommy was able to open up and make significant progress on My 600-lb Life. Tommy may have withdrawn from social media due to negative criticism, but his dedicated journey towards weight loss was a significant achievement.
Tommy Johnson's future grew brighter when he lost a lot of weight on My 600-lb Life, and it's time to talk about what he's up to after the popular reality series. The Louisiana resident was 38 when he debuted on the TLC show. At the time, he weighed 641 pounds. His obesity-related health issues meant that he lived with chronic pain. He was unable to walk and couldn't stand still for even a minute. He relied on help from his girlfriend, Amanda. Tommy became overweight at an early...
Tommy Johnson's future grew brighter when he lost a lot of weight on My 600-lb Life, and it's time to talk about what he's up to after the popular reality series. The Louisiana resident was 38 when he debuted on the TLC show. At the time, he weighed 641 pounds. His obesity-related health issues meant that he lived with chronic pain. He was unable to walk and couldn't stand still for even a minute. He relied on help from his girlfriend, Amanda. Tommy became overweight at an early...
- 7/23/2024
- by Neha Nathani, Heather Matthews
- ScreenRant
"We don't run from our problems." Sky TV has revealed an official UK trailer for a comedy series titled Mr. Bigstuff, arriving to watch in the UK starting this July (though no US launch yet). The series stars actor Danny Dyer, best known for his various "tough guy" roles like Moff in Human Traffic, Tommy Johnson in The Football Factory, and Mick Carter in Eastenders. When two estranged brothers Glen (Ryan Sampson) and Lee (Danny Dyer) find themselves under one roof in "idyllic" suburbia, their lives start to unravel faster than a cheap carpet. Glen is a nervy perfectionist and carpet salesman striving to live a suburban ideal and Lee is an alpha male with a prescription drug addiction and a tin full of their dad's ashes. Written & created by Ryan Sampson, this "relatable, irreverent comedy about brotherhood, manhood and carpet sales" is set in Essex. Also with Harriet Webb,...
- 5/13/2024
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
O Brother, Where Art Thou? is a crowning achievement in the Coen Brothers' portfolio, celebrated for brilliant performances and iconic quotes. The film's rich dialogue and vibrant characters offer endless opportunities for fans to incorporate its memorable lines into everyday conversations. From humor to profundity, the quotes in O Brother, Where Art Thou? showcase the Coen Brothers' unmatched ability to leave a lasting impact.
O Brother, Where Art Thou's quotes cement it as one of the Coens' best. The Coen Brothers are among the most iconic filmmakers of our time, with an impressive portfolio that includes classics like Fargo and The Big Lebowski. Among their illustrious body of work, O Brother, Where Art Thou? stands out as a crowning achievement. This film, inspired by Homer's epic The Odyssey, overflows with the Coen Brothers' trademark excellence in storytelling and character creation. It's not only celebrated for its brilliant performances but...
O Brother, Where Art Thou's quotes cement it as one of the Coens' best. The Coen Brothers are among the most iconic filmmakers of our time, with an impressive portfolio that includes classics like Fargo and The Big Lebowski. Among their illustrious body of work, O Brother, Where Art Thou? stands out as a crowning achievement. This film, inspired by Homer's epic The Odyssey, overflows with the Coen Brothers' trademark excellence in storytelling and character creation. It's not only celebrated for its brilliant performances but...
- 4/10/2024
- by Stephen Barker
- ScreenRant
A sequel to 'The Football Factory' is in development.The follow-up to the 2004 movie about football hooligans has been given the working title 'Marching Powder' in a reference to the drug-taking featured in the original film.Danny Dyer will reprise his role as the Chelsea hooligan Tommy Johnson, with shooting set to start in the coming weeks as film bosses aim for a 2024 release to mark 20 years since the original flick.A source told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column: "It's full steam ahead for 'Football Factory 2' and filming is due to start in January."The hope is they can turn it around quickly enough so it comes out in 2024 – in time for the 20th anniversary."The insider continued: "The script for 'Marching Powder' will reveal what happened to the rival factions of hooligans after the end of the last film."It's a real passion project for Danny...
- 11/29/2023
- by Joe Graber
- Bang Showbiz
Danny Dyer is in talks to star in a sequel to 'The Football Factory'.The 46-year-old former 'EastEnders' actor has met with the cult film’s original director Nick Love to discuss a new script, ahead of the movie's 20th anniversary next year.The film followed a group of football hooligans, including Danny's Chelsea supporter Tommy Johnson, who started to question his morals, and those of his friends.A source told The Sun newspaper's Bizarre column: "Danny is a free agent after leaving EastEnders and he has been in talks with the director Nick about a sequel to 'The Football Factory'."The film ended with Danny’s character Tommy recovering from being battered by a group of Millwall fans."The idea is that the new project would follow Tommy in the years that followed, what happened in the firm and the new generation coming up behind him.
- 8/1/2023
- by Colette Fahy 2
- Bang Showbiz
When producer T Bone Burnett’s soundtrack to the Coen Brothers’ 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou? was released 20 years ago this month, it launched a roots-music boom. Many artists on the album — from new traditionalists Gillian Welch and Alison Krauss to bygone legends like Ralph Stanley — saw boosts to their careers, while package tours of old-timey music, like Down From the Mountain, sold out around the country.
Most importantly, the unlikely success of the soundtrack, which placed Jimmie Rodgers-era country-blues (“In the Jailhouse Now”) alongside stark mountain spirituals...
Most importantly, the unlikely success of the soundtrack, which placed Jimmie Rodgers-era country-blues (“In the Jailhouse Now”) alongside stark mountain spirituals...
- 12/4/2020
- by Jonathan Bernstein
- Rollingstone.com
George Clooney, Dan Tyminski, Tim Blake Nelson, Chris Thomas King, and John Turturro are just a few of the names featured in the Coen Brothers’ 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou? who will be reuniting for the film’s 20th anniversary next month.
The digital event is part of the Nashville Film Festival, which gets underway in a virtual format the first week of October. In addition to King, who played the role of bluesman Tommy Johnson in the film, artists including Tyminski (George Clooney’s singing voice on “Man...
The digital event is part of the Nashville Film Festival, which gets underway in a virtual format the first week of October. In addition to King, who played the role of bluesman Tommy Johnson in the film, artists including Tyminski (George Clooney’s singing voice on “Man...
- 9/22/2020
- by Jonathan Bernstein
- Rollingstone.com
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