‘Gangs of London’ Could Expand to Miami or Johannesburg, Says Amy Powell

The crime-drama franchise Gangs of London may soon extend far beyond the streets of the UK. Speaking at Content London 2025, newly appointed Vice Studios boss Amy Powell revealed that the studio is exploring the possibility of expanding the acclaimed Sky-AMC series into international spinoffs, potentially set in Miami, Johannesburg, or Cape Town.

Powell described her ambition to build a global franchise universe, comparing the potential growth to the scale and strategy of major entertainment powerhouses.

“Can we take Gangs and expand it to a different city, with ambitions as ridiculous as this sounds as to what Marvel does,” Powell said. She emphasized the strength of the series’ identity and the untapped storytelling opportunities that could emerge from other urban criminal ecosystems.

Possible New Franchise Cities: Miami and Johannesburg

During the discussion, Powell floated Miami as an example of a new setting that could align with the show’s high-stakes crime narrative. Later in the conversation, she responded to questions about Vice’s work in Africa by suggesting potential South African adaptations, including Gangs of Johannesburg or Gangs of Cape Town.

Powell highlighted that, at their core, gangs around the world share key cultural and emotional themes.

“What’s so interesting about gangs is they are families. They have special rules about how they operate, a culture that is specific to their own gang, but at the end of the day it translates around the world.”

The objective, she added, is to tap into local culture and authenticity, while maintaining the gritty emotional tone that has made the original series a success.

A Franchise Growing Amid Vice Media’s Corporate Changes

Powell, who joined Vice earlier this year, is currently overseeing a $75 million credit facility designed to fuel $500 million in content creation over the next five years. The expansion ambitions come as Vice continues restructuring efforts following its high-profile 2022 bankruptcy and subsequent sale for $350 million to investor group Fortress.

Gangs of London, which has just been renewed for Season 4, will now be produced through Vice Studios in Los Angeles, following the closure of Pulse Films’ scripted division. Powell characterized the shuttering as a branding realignment rather than a creative retreat.

“We’ve just rebranded to Vice Studios, it’s nomenclature,” she said. “At the end of the day we have great respect for Pulse Films, but we are investing ten-fold and doubling down on scripted.”

Pulse Films, previously known for acclaimed titles such as American Honey and The Disappearance of Madeleine McCann, has pivoted to focus on commercials, music videos and branded work following significant staff layoffs.

With franchise expansion discussions underway and a renewed commitment to scripted programming, Vice Studios appears ready to leverage one of its most successful IPs during a crucial period of reinvention. If the ideas move forward, audiences may soon see multiple interconnected crime-drama universes, each rooted in real-world gang culture and authentic urban identity.