The veteran actor gets candid about his new role as a retiring drug lord, the magic of filming in Liverpool, and why his silences sometimes speak louder than words.
Sean Bean, a face synonymous with both heroic knights and complicated villains, is back on our screens. This time, he’s stepping into the shoes of Ronnie Phelan, a Liverpool drug kingpin contemplating retirement in the upcoming BBC drama, This City Is Ours. But as any fan of the crime genre knows, leaving the life isn’t as simple as handing in your notice.
In a new interview, Bean reveals his deep connection to the project, describing it as “one of the most enjoyable series” he’s ever been involved with. “I can genuinely say I personally did not want it to end. I walked away from the set really upset,” he admits, a rare display of sentimentality from the often-stoic actor. “I remember feeling this genuine sense of loss, but obviously I had a sense of great satisfaction because this was mould-breaking television.”
The series, penned by acclaimed writer Stephen Butchard (known for The Last Kingdom), is a deep dive into the lives of a criminal family on the brink. “By page nine I knew I wanted to be Ronnie,” Bean recalls. “He is someone eyeing up retirement, just as a rival gang organisation are preparing to attack.” He describes the show as being “about a family on the verge of being destroyed by ambition, pride and greed.”
What sets This City Is Ours apart, according to Bean, is its unflinching perspective. “It is brutal – but it is very real,” he emphasizes. “I knew I could contribute something to the character of Ronnie… In a short space of time, leafing through the first episode, I could see it was profound, funny, shocking and sinister, but very real. I read the rest of the pages and was hooked.” He is also keen to highlight that This City is Ours will be “different, because it is not from the police point of view, but from the villains’ perspective, and we get to know why they do what they do. It is not gratuitous violence, the storylines are better than that.”
The series explores themes of repercussions and the desire for change. Ronnie’s contemplation of retirement acts as a catalyst, setting off a chain reaction within his organization. His son, Jamie (played by rising star Jack McMullen), eyes his father’s position, while Ronnie’s best friend, Michael (James Nelson-Joyce), dreams of escaping the criminal life for love and fatherhood. “They are trapped by their own successes of overseeing drug territories and the constant corruption of power that inevitably surround it,” Bean explains.
The city of Liverpool itself plays a vital role, acting almost as another character. Bean, a self-professed admirer of the city, gushes about its vibrancy and welcoming atmosphere. “Liverpool, the city itself, is always a joy to visit and work in. It is a special place and has been good to me and it has a special place in my heart,” he shares. “The people welcome you with open arms… They are proud to have you in their city.” He praises the city’s visual appeal, from the waterfront to Chinatown and the Wirral, where Ronnie resides. ” This City is Ours is a great title in many ways because it is defiant and triumphant.”
The camaraderie on set was palpable, boosted by the fact that many of the cast had worked together before. Bean singles out McMullen for particular praise: “Jack McMullen, who plays my son Jamie, is a real talent and I can see great things ahead for him in the future.” He also highlights the “talented” Hannah Onslow, James Nelson-Joyce and Julie Graham.
Despite the series’ dark themes, Bean assures viewers that there’s room for humor, a hallmark of Liverpool’s character. “It is set in Liverpool, which is renowned for its sense of humour,” he says. “The humour isn’t obvious – a remark here or there or a put down, too. They are naturally funny people who are sharp witted.” He credits Butchard’s writing for masterfully weaving these moments into the narrative. “The language of the gangsters is very much to the point and to make something humorous is where the skill of the writers comes in and the art of the actors to deliver it.”
And what about Bean’s preference for playing villains? “I’m sure viewers find the villains more interesting than the good guys. They are certainly interesting to play, and I have played my fair share,” he admits with a hint of a smile. He even offers a humorous anecdote about his famous on-screen silences: “Someone once wrote that my many silences, where I said nothing, spoke volumes. They did not realise that those were moments where I was just trying hard to remember my lines!”
When asked to sum up This City Is Ours in three words, Bean chooses: “Unique. Exciting. New.” He elaborates: “Unique – because it stands out in a strong field. Exciting – because you will be on the edge of your seat. New – because the storytelling is so fresh.”
But ultimately, he reveals the heart of the show: “At the end of the day, it’s a love story – but not your normal romance, it’s a brand new love story for now. People watching are going to love it, too.” It’s a bold claim, but coming from an actor with Bean’s pedigree and passion for the project, it’s one that’s hard to ignore.
