The hit British gangster franchise Rise of the Footsoldier is back, with filming for its highly anticipated seventh instalment, Rise of the Footsoldier: Ibiza, currently underway in Southend and other parts of Essex.
Craig Fairbrass confirms filming for latest Footsoldier film
Actor Craig Fairbrass, who plays notorious Essex drug dealer Pat Tate, confirmed on social media that the cast and crew have returned to Essex to shoot the next chapter of the violent and gritty crime saga. This latest film follows on from 2023’s Rise of the Footsoldier: Vengeance and sees Tate heading to Ibiza in 1994 on a ruthless mission of revenge.
Joining the franchise for the first time are The Football Factory star Tamer Hassan and Green Street actor Leo Gregory. Hassan will take on the role of Colonel Sullivan, a ruthless international criminal and arms dealer, while Gregory plays his enforcer, Captain Sergio.
Southend transforms into 90s Ibiza scenes for filming
Southend residents have spotted the film crew setting up around the city, transforming local locations into the neon-lit world of a 90s Ibiza nightclub. Among the key filming spots are Sutton Road, the Exchange Pub, and Seaway car park, which have all been used as backdrops for the action-packed scenes.
One crew member expressed their gratitude to the local community, stating: “We want to say thanks to the people of Southend for their hospitality and letting us film in some iconic landmarks. These films have given us a global audience and continue to break box office records for independent British films.”
A franchise inspired by real-life crime
Rise of the Footsoldier has built a cult following thanks to its raw and unfiltered depiction of Britain’s criminal underworld. The first two films in the franchise were inspired by the true story of Inter City Firm hooligan-turned-gangster Carlton Leach, before later instalments focused on the lives of real-life Essex drug dealers Pat Tate and Tony Tucker, who were gunned down in the infamous Rettendon murders of 1995.
The real case saw Michael Steele and Jack Whomes jailed for life in 1998 for their involvement in the execution-style killings. However, both men have always maintained their innocence. Whomes was released on parole in 2021 after serving more than 20 years behind bars, while Steele, now 82, is set to be released on licence after being deemed “no longer a risk” to the public by the Parole Board last month.
What to expect from Rise of the Footsoldier: Ibiza
The new film promises to be as brutal and action-packed as its predecessors. Set in 1994, it follows Pat Tate as he heads to Ibiza to hunt down the men responsible for his friend’s gruesome murder. Once there, he finds himself caught up in a dangerous underworld of international criminals, deadly arms deals, and power-hungry gangsters.
With the franchise’s signature mix of violent action, dark humour, and intense drama, Rise of the Footsoldier: Ibiza looks set to deliver another explosive chapter in the saga. Fans can expect high-octane fight scenes, gripping storylines, and an unfiltered look into the brutal world of organised crime.