Netflix viewers have been doing a double take after spotting Stephen Graham sporting a very different look in a "perfect" football film. Graham steps into the role of Leeds United captain Billy Bremner in the 2009 film The Damned United, which has entered Netflix's top 10 most-watched rankings since joining the platform over the weekend.
Graham stands out among the rest of the cast as the Scottish football captain, not only because of his shorter stature but because of his curly ginger hair. His transformation into the bold footballer is part of a star-studded retelling of one of English football's most turbulent managerial appointments.
A Turbulent 44-Day Reign
Adapted from David Peace's 2006 novel, The Damned United explores what happens when new outspoken manager Brian Clough infamously led Leeds United for just 44 days. Billy Bremner is the leading figure in the dressing-room resistance to new manager Brian Clough as the captain of Leeds United. His clashes with Clough lead to the manager's term with the football club lasting less than two months.
Emmy Award-winning Stephen Graham is best known for Adolescence, This is England, Peaky Blinders and Boardwalk Empire.
Meet the Rest of the Cast
Michael Sheen takes the lead as a manager who has never been afraid to speak his mind — particularly about Leeds and their former boss, Don Revie. Having criticised Revie's approach, Clough is surprised to be offered the chance to succeed him at the reigning champions. Winning over the board is one thing; winning over the players proves rather harder. Sheen's other screen credits include Good Omens, The Queen, Frost/Nixon, Masters of Sex and The Twilight Saga.
Harry Potter favourite Timothy Spall plays Clough's close friend and trusted assistant Peter Taylor, an important counterweight to the manager's fiery personality. Spall played Peter Pettigrew in the wizarding films and is also known for Mr Turner and The King's Speech.
Line of Duty viewers will recognise Martin Compston, best known as Steve Arnott, in the role of striker John O'Hare. Compston brought some first-hand football experience to the production. Before finding television fame, he played professionally in Scotland, making two appearances for Greenock Morton.
More Familiar Faces
Colm Meaney plays the departing Leeds manager whose influence continues to loom over the club. Revie's move to the England job opens the door for Clough's ill-fated arrival. The actor's credits include Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and In the Land of Saints and Sinners.
Jim Broadbent appears as Derby County chairman Sam Longson, who worked with Clough before the manager's move to Leeds. Another familiar face from Harry Potter, Broadbent has also appeared in the Bridget Jones films, Game of Thrones and Only Fools and Horses.
The Damned United is streaming on Netflix.
