Honestly, the first time I saw the trailer for Bank of Dave 2: The Loan Ranger, I thought the title was a bit much. It’s a pun that only a dad from Burnley could truly love. But then you realize that the real Dave Fishwick—the guy who actually built a bank from the ground up—is basically a walking, talking dad joke with a heart of gold and a private jet.
The sequel dropped on Netflix on January 10, 2025, and it has been sitting in the Top 10 ever since.
People are obsessed. Why? Because it’s the ultimate David vs. Goliath story, except this time, the "Goliath" isn't a stuffy London banker in a pinstripe suit. It’s the predatory payday loan industry.
The "True-ish" Story vs. Reality
Let's get one thing straight. The movie calls itself a "true-ish" story for a reason.
In the film, Rory Kinnear (who is brilliant, by the way) travels to the United States, gets framed for money laundering, and eventually escapes a New York courtroom with the help of Def Leppard.
None of that happened.
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I mean, Dave is actually mates with Def Leppard. They really did play a concert for him. But they didn't fly him out of a legal jam in a private jet while "Pour Some Sugar on Me" blasted in the background.
The real story is a bit more "boots on the ground." Back in 2014, the real Dave Fishwick made a Channel 4 documentary called Dave: Loan Ranger. He spent months investigating how companies like Wonga were charging people 5,000% interest.
He didn't go to America to fight a fictional mobster named Carlo Mancini (played by a very tan Rob Delaney). Instead, he spent his time buzzing on doors in London that turned out to be nothing but PO boxes. These companies were ghosts.
Who’s Who in the Cast?
The sequel brought back the heavy hitters but swapped out the romantic leads.
- Rory Kinnear returns as Dave. He’s managed to capture that specific "Burnley energy"—loud, relentless, but genuinely kind.
- Jo Hartley is back as Nikki Fishwick. She’s the anchor of the movie.
- Chrissy Metz (from This Is Us) plays Jessica, an American journalist.
- Amit Shah plays Oliver, a Citizens Advice counselor.
Now, if you’re looking for the characters played by Phoebe Dynevor and Joel Fry from the first movie, don't bother. They aren't in this one. The filmmakers decided to focus on a new sub-plot involving Jessica and Oliver, which, if I'm being honest, feels a little bit forced compared to the main drama.
But hey, that’s Hollywood.
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Why the Payday Loan Fight Matters
The movie is a fun watch, but the subject matter is actually pretty dark.
Dave’s mission in Bank of Dave 2 is to shut down companies that prey on the most vulnerable people in society. We're talking about single moms who need £50 for baby formula and end up owing thousands.
The real Dave Fishwick actually helped get the law changed.
Because of his campaigning (and others like him), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) stepped in. They capped interest rates at 0.8% per day. They also made sure that no one would ever have to pay back more than double what they borrowed.
Wonga, the biggest player in the game, eventually went bust. Dave calls it a win for the little guy. He’s right.
Filming Locations: Keeping it Local
One of the coolest things about this production is how much they stayed true to Dave’s roots. They filmed all over Yorkshire and Burnley.
- Trafalgar Street in Burnley (specifically a local fish and chip shop).
- The Caramba Steakhouse in Yorkshire.
- Dave’s actual house. Seriously, he let the film crew move in.
Dave even has a cameo in the movie. He doesn't play himself, though. Since Rory Kinnear looks so much like him, Dave decided to play one of the "baddies" in a boardroom scene. He says it was easier to play a villain than a hero.
Is It Worth the Stream?
If you liked the first one, you'll like this. It’s a bit bigger, a bit more "Hollywood," and the plot goes off the rails in the third act. But the heart is still there.
It’s about community. It’s about the fact that the "big banks" and "big finance" don't always have to win.
What's next for the franchise? Well, there's already talk of Bank of Dave: The Musical opening in May 2026. Dave is apparently helping with the songs.
If you want to support the real mission, you don't have to go to Burnley. You can start by checking out local credit unions or ethical lending platforms. The movie reminds us that where we put our money actually matters.
Actionable Next Steps
- Watch the Documentary: If you want the actual facts without the Def Leppard cameos, find the 2014 Channel 4 documentary Dave: Loan Ranger. It’s a much grittier look at the industry.
- Check Your Rates: If you or someone you know is struggling with high-interest debt, contact Citizens Advice or StepChange. They offer free, professional help that doesn't involve "true-ish" movie magic.
- Support Local: Look into community savings and loans. The real Burnley Savings and Loans (the "Bank of Dave") still operates on the principle of "people before profit."