Pistol

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Toby Wallace stars as Steve Jones, lead guitarist of the Sex Pistols. One of Britain’s countless millions of desperately poor and conveniently forgotten youth, Steve’s childhood is worse than most. He never knew his father; his mother is indifferent and his stepfather is abusive.Outwardly charming, funny and charismatic, Steve hides his damage beneath an imaginary “Cloak of Invisibility.” His initial bid for identity is as lead singer of Kutie Jones and his Sex Pistols. But according to mentors Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood, Steve’s very damaged - which is very good, but he’s too damaged to be up front. He must plow all that damage into the music - and so the lead guitarist of the Sex Pistols (and Rolling Stone’s 97th greatest rock guitarist of all time), is born.

Jacob Slater stars as Paul “Cookie” Cook, Sex Pistols’ drummer. Best friends since childhood, Cookie and Steve are inseparable. Cookie also grew up poor, but his parents adore him - so much so, that his drum kit lives in their bedroom, the only room big enough to accommodate it. Cookie’s background gives him the strength of character to harness the anarchy of the world’s most explosive band.

Anson Boon stars as John Lydon, lead singer of the Sex Pistols. AKA Johnny Rotten, so named for his teeth, John becomes the always simmering, frequently boiling over, voice of a furious generation. A working-class, lyrical genius, John’s rivalry with Steve is ongoing. The pain that he feels over the death of long-time friend Sid Vicious is heartfelt and real.

Louis Partridge stars as Sid Vicious, the Sex Pistols’ bass guitarist. By turns charismatic, sweet, funny, child-like and shockingly violent, Sid is brought into the band at the height of the Pistols’ fame. Completely out of his depth, Sid becomes the doomed emblem of the most extreme aspects of punk.

Sydney Chandler stars as Chrissie Hynde. Born in Akron, Ohio, Chrissie has embarked on her U.K. odyssey out of love for English music. Smart, strong, tough and talented - she’s fiercely determined to succeed. Chrissie and Steve’s affair is doomed from the start, but their connection is strong. Chrissie goes on to become an international star, and she and Steve remain life-long friends.

Christian Lees stars as Glen Matlock, Sex Pistols’ original bass guitarist. A talented musician and songwriter, Glen’s family is a little higher up the social ladder than his band mates. This causes constant tension with Johnny. Eventually Steve is emotionally blackmailed into sacking Glen for Johnny’s mate Sid, who fits the image gloriously, but not the musical requirements.

Talulah Riley portrays Vivienne Westwood. Along with partner Malcolm McLaren, Vivienne created the Kings Road boutique SEX - the epicenter of punk. A visionary fashion designer and natural born provocateur, Vivienne ferociously challenges Britain’s boring, corrupt, Establishment by constantly pushing the boundaries of what fashion, art and music can do.

Maisie Williams portrays Jordan. Icon and inspiration, Jordan was a foundational member of the punk movement. On her morning commute to SEX, she would wear a transparent, fetish-raincoat, black rubber knickers and very little else. In ‘70s Britain, this was an act of tremendous bravery. For Jordan it was political. A “fuck you” to the hypocrisy of the ruling classes, and a challenge to say what was real.

Emma Appleton portrays Nancy Spungen. Disliked by almost everyone she meets; most dismiss Nancy as a groupie. But there’s more to her than that. Strangled by her umbilical cord at birth, Nancy excelled academically but was diagnosed schizophrenic at age 15. Punk Juliet to Sid’s Romeo - her bond with Sid is chaotic, violent, dysfunctional and unbreakable.

Thomas Brodie-Sangster portrays Malcolm McLaren. Malcolm, who went on to become a ground-breaking music producer and solo artist, is Fagin to Steve’s artful dodger. Although on a mission to sweep away the inequitable power structures of 1970s Britain, there is something of the toff (upper class) about him. Malcolm’s the closest thing Steve’s ever had to a father, and Steve cannot betray him; even when it’s in his best interests to do so.

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Production credits for executive producers on Pistol

Meet the Crew of Pistol | FX

Danny Boyle

Craig Pearce

Tracey Seaward

Gail Lyon

Anita Camarata

Steve Jones

Paul Lee

Hope Hartman