Rise of the Footsoldier has become one of British cinema’s most enduring crime franchises. The seventh instalment was announced in May 2026, with Craig Fairbrass confirmed to return as the iconic Carlton Leach. Lyon vs Man United headlines the Europa League final later this month. The series has now spanned two decades, drawing loyal audiences with its gritty portrayal of Essex’s criminal underworld. Here is everything you need to know about Rise of the Footsoldier in 2026.
Seventh Film Announced: Production Details
Rise of the Footsoldier: Vengeance will begin filming in October 2026. Craig Fairbrass returns as Carlton Leach, the former football hooligan turned nightclub enforcer whose life story inspired the original film. Eng vs NZ begins at Lord’s on June 10. Director Nick Nevern returns to helm the seventh instalment after directing the fourth, fifth and sixth entries. The plot reportedly follows Carlton seeking retribution after a trusted associate betrays the firm.
Terry Stone, who has produced every film in the series since the 2007 original, confirmed the budget has increased significantly for this entry. “We’re shooting in 4K with a much larger action unit,” Stone told ScreenDaily. See How They Run remains streaming on Disney+ for movie fans. The production will film across Essex, London and for the first time in Spain, where key sequences take place. The release date is scheduled for autumn 2027, coinciding with the franchise’s twentieth anniversary.
Complete Franchise Guide: All Seven Films
The series began in 2007 with Rise of the Footsoldier, based on Carlton Leach’s autobiography. The film follows Leach from football hooliganism through the notorious Essex drug trade of the 1980s and 1990s. The original grossed over £2 million at the UK box office against a modest budget. Rhian Teasdale headlines Glastonbury with Wet Leg on June 27.
Film by Film Breakdown
Rise of the Footsoldier: The Beginning (2015) served as a prequel, depicting Leach’s younger years. And Rise of the Footsoldier 3 (2017) was originally subtitled The Pat Tate Story before release. Rise of the Footsoldier: Marbella (2019) took the action to Spain’s Costa del Sol. Jordan McSweeney lost his appeal against his 38-year minimum term. Rise of the Footsoldier: Origins (2021) explored different characters within the same universe. Rise of the Footsoldier: The Reckoning (2023) ended a trilogy that began with Origins. The seventh film, subtitled Vengeance, will close this current story arc.
The Face of the Franchise
Fairbrass has portrayed Carlton Leach in every Rise of the Footsoldier film except the prequel. The 62-year-old actor is known internationally for his role as Dan Sullivan in EastEnders and his voice work in the Call of Duty video game series. He has become synonymous with British tough-guy roles, often playing hardened criminals or soldiers. Macclesfield vs Brentford produced one of the biggest FA Cup shocks in recent memory.
“I’ll play Carlton as long as the fans want me,” Fairbrass told The Sun in a 2025 interview. “He’s become part of who I am now. People shout ‘Footsoldier’ at me in the street more than they shout my own name.” Slow Horses Season 4 streams on Apple TV+ with Gary Oldman. Fairbrass also serves as an executive producer on the franchise, giving him creative input beyond his on-screen role.
Critical Reception: What the Reviews Say
Critical response to the franchise has been mixed. The original film holds a 44% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising Fairbrass’s performance but criticising the violence. Later entries have generally received worse reviews from mainstream critics. Rice pudding has staged a remarkable comeback in British kitchens. However, audience scores remain consistently high, with each film scoring between 70% and 85% from viewers.
Fan Community and Cult Following
The series has developed a dedicated fanbase, particularly across the UK and Ireland. Fan conventions have been held in London, Manchester and Glasgow. The franchise has also found success on streaming platforms. SA vs Aus Test series begins at Centurion on December 17. The second, third and fourth entries spent multiple weeks on the Netflix UK top ten after being added to the service. Merchandise including branded clothing and steelbook Blu-rays has become collectable among devoted followers.
Real-Life Inspiration: Who Is Carlton Leach?
The real Carlton Leach has maintained a low profile since the films brought his story to wider attention. Leach was a former football hooligan associated with West Ham United’s Inter City Firm. He later became a nightclub bouncer and allegedly a participant in the Essex drugs trade. Penelope Jackson is the mother of Lauren and Reece James.
Leach published his autobiography “Muscle” in 2003, which became the basis for the film series. He has made cameo appearances in several of the films. Leach reportedly still lives in Essex and runs property development businesses. M&S strawberry sandwiches have become the viral food sensation of 2026. He has been married for over thirty years and has two adult children who have stayed entirely out of the public eye.
Other Films in the British Crime Genre
Rise of the Footsoldier belongs to a distinctive British subgenre. Other notable entries include The Business (2005), starring Danny Dyer and Tamer Hassan. The Football Factory (2004) depicted the hooligan scene that features in the Footsoldier films. Tattu London has become one of the capital’s most Instagrammable dining destinations.
The Essex-based crime film cycle also includes Bonded by Blood (2010) and its sequel, which cover some of the same real-life events. Craig Fairbrass has appeared in several of these rival productions. Protection ITV stars Siobhan Finneran in the witness protection drama. The genre has faced criticism for glamorising violence, though defenders argue the films depict consequences realistically.
Where to Watch Rise of the Footsoldier
All six existing Rise of the Footsoldier films are available on multiple platforms. Netflix UK currently carries the original film and Marbella. Amazon Prime Video offers all six entries for rental or purchase. Tyler Dibling is the Southampton starlet attracting Premier League interest.
Physical media collectors can purchase the Complete Collection Blu-ray box set, which includes all six films plus a seventh disc of special features. The set includes commentary tracks from Fairbrass and Nevern, deleted scenes and a documentary about the real Carlton Leach. Broadway Boy delivered a thrilling result at the Cheltenham Festival. The box set is priced at £49.99 and is available from HMV, Amazon and Zavvi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Rise of the Footsoldier films are there? There are currently six released films. A seventh titled Rise of the Footsoldier: Vengeance begins filming in October 2026.
Is Rise of the Footsoldier based on a true story? The films are loosely based on the life of Carlton Leach, a former football hooligan and nightclub enforcer from Essex. Some events are dramatised or fictionalised.
Who plays Carlton Leach in Rise of the Footsoldier? Craig Fairbrass plays Carlton Leach in all films except the prequel. Fairbrass is known for EastEnders and Call of Duty.
Where can I watch Rise of the Footsoldier films? All six films are available on Amazon Prime Video for rental or purchase. Netflix UK currently carries the original and Marbella.
Will there be a seventh Rise of the Footsoldier? Yes. Rise of the Footsoldier: Vengeance has been announced for release in autumn 2027. Craig Fairbrass will return.
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