After an outstanding first season, Paramount+ has renewed Last King of The Cross for its second season with Lincoln Younes reprising his role as John Ibrahim.
The Australian original series is promising “higher” stakes and even greater threats as a new and even more dangerous enemy arises.
Last King of The Cross returns for season two. (Image: Paramount +)
After a brutal gang war left the love of his life dead, his family in chaos and John Ibrahim firmly in the crosshairs of investigating police determined to put him in jail, the nightclub operator and rising underworld figure had disappeared to Spain.
He had hoped some time away would give his enemies – on both sides of the law – time to find a new target and himself time find a more peaceful way forward.
And when he returns, he’s a changed man, but are his good intentions enough?
“Although John has run away from his past, he’s discovered that wherever you go, there you are,” Lincoln, 32, who plays a fictionalised character based very loosely around the real-life John, tells TV WEEK.
“So, he’s returned to kind of reconcile a lot of things in himself but what happens when he comes back is that he finds the Cross is no longer working.”
In the wake of a Royal Commission and police crackdown, the “colourful” nightlife of Kings Cross is shut down, so John makes a decision.
Lincoln Younes returns as John Ibrahim. (Image: Paramount+)
Just down the road are the glittering lights of Sydney’s new nightclub mecca, Oxford Street. But it’s a place with very different rules to what he knows.
“None of his manipulations, his acumen or negotiation skills works so he’s got to rewrite his own handbook when it comes to business,” Lincoln explains- especially as Oxford Street already has a king of its own: Ray (Naveen Andrews).
“Ray is a wily, intelligent, dynamic and unpredictable protagonist, so the two of them are competing – all while John is trying to find what it means to be a decent man. It’s a lot of fun to watch.”
Add in the rise of John’s brother Sam (Claude Jabbour) as the leader of one of Australia’s most notorious bikie clubs, determined to build an empire of his own – and it sets the stage for another fascinating chapter set in an Australia that most never see.
Making a return to the underworld is Claude Jabbour as Sam Ibrahim, Alex Kaan as Fadi Ibrahim, Dave Hoey as Michael Ibrahim, Tess Haubrich as Detective Liz Doyle, Matt Nable as Big Tony, Uli Latukefu as Tongan Sam, and Janet Anderson as Simone.
“We’re super excited to continue the story of Last King of The Cross – bringing more extreme and fascinating untold stories of John Ibrahim and his family. Season two will surprise and thrill our audience in unexpected ways as we enter the seductive, dangerous, and ecstasy-fuelled world of the early 2000’s,” Heliums Mark Fennessy said.
“The production team is delighted to reunite the exceptional cast and crew that delivered such a stunning first season and welcomes new additions who will contribute even more in elevating our unique world to new heights.
“Last King of The Cross promises to once again push the boundaries, showcasing the evolution of our characters against the backdrop of Sydney’s gritty and glamorous nightlife scene where power, sex, crime, and business intersect.”
The premiere date for Last King of The Cross has officially been revealed as 30 August 2024, with the first two episodes of season two premiering on the day. Episodes will then drop weekly.
Stream Last King of The Cross on Paramount+ FREE for 7 days. Sign up today.
.jpeg?fit=94%2C128){kind=avatar}
