The questions people ask most about the Rise of the Footsoldier films, answered. For more detail follow the links to the film, character and true story pages.
Wondering what comes next? Read will there be another Rise of the Footsoldier film?
How many Rise of the Footsoldier films are there?
Seven: Rise of the Footsoldier (2007), Part II (2015), 3: The Pat Tate Story (2017), 4: Marbella (2019), Origins (2021), Vengeance (2023) and Retribution (2026). An eighth, Rise of the Footsoldier: Morocco, has been announced.
What order should I watch the Rise of the Footsoldier films in?
Release order is best for a first watch: 2007, Part II, The Pat Tate Story, Marbella, Origins, Vengeance, Retribution. In story order it runs roughly Origins, The Pat Tate Story, Marbella, Vengeance, Retribution, the 2007 original, then Part II.
When does Rise of the Footsoldier: Retribution take place?
Around 1994. It follows straight on from Vengeance and takes place before the Rettendon murders of 6 December 1995.
Is Rise of the Footsoldier a true story?
The 2007 original is based on Carlton Leach’s memoir Muscle and the real Rettendon murders, and the real Pat Tate, Tony Tucker and Craig Rolfe are its central figures. The later Pat Tate films are largely fiction built around the real men.
Is Retribution a true story?
No. The Ibiza storyline is fiction. The real Pat Tate was in prison for much of the early 1990s and was killed in December 1995.
Who plays Pat Tate?
Craig Fairbrass, in every Rise of the Footsoldier film. In Bonded by Blood (2010) Tate was played by Tamer Hassan, who plays Colonel Sullivan in Retribution.
How did Pat Tate die?
On 6 December 1995 Pat Tate, Tony Tucker and Craig Rolfe were shot dead in a Range Rover on Workhouse Lane, a farm track in Rettendon, Essex. Their bodies were found the next morning.
Who was convicted of the Rettendon murders?
Michael Steele and Jack Whomes were convicted in January 1998, on the evidence of supergrass Darren Nicholls. Both have always denied it. Whomes was released on licence in 2021 and Steele in 2025; their convictions still stand.
Is Carlton Leach still alive?
Yes. Carlton Leach, whose life inspired the 2007 film, is alive. His most recent book, Carlton: The Final Say, came out in 2021.
Where can I watch Rise of the Footsoldier: Retribution?
It was in UK cinemas from 28 August 2026 and has been available to rent or buy digitally since mid-October 2026, on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV and Sky Store.
Where was Retribution filmed?
On location in Ibiza, including Sant Antoni and Cala Llenya, with further filming in the UK, including Southend in Essex.
Will there be a Rise of the Footsoldier 8?
Yes. Rise of the Footsoldier: Morocco has been announced, with Nick Nevern directing and Craig Fairbrass returning as Pat Tate. No release date has been set.
Which Rise of the Footsoldier is Vinnie Jones in?
Origins (2021), where he plays Bernard O’Mahoney, Tony Tucker’s business partner on the doors.
When did the first Rise of the Footsoldier come out?
7 September 2007. It was directed by Julian Gilbey, with Ricci Harnett as Carlton Leach.