‘Peaky Blinders’ duo reunite for new Victorian boxing drama series
Disney+ and Hulu have announced details of a new British period drama.
A Thousand Blows will be set against the backdrop of Victorian London’s illegal boxing scene.
The 12-part series is created, written and executive produced by screenwriter Steven Knight, best known as the creator of Peaky Blinders.
Leading the cast will be Line of Duty star Stephen Graham.
The 49-year-old English actor previously worked with writer Steven Knight on Peaky Blinders‘ final season, playing Hayden Stagg.
You’ll also recognise him from the likes of The North Water, This is England, Taboo, Rocketman, Time, and Parade’s End.
Fresh off the back of last year’s SAS: Rogue Heroes, Steven Knight certainly has a busy year coming up!
He’s got his new version of Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations on BBC One soon, an adaptation of All the Light We Cannot See, ’80s music drama Two Tone, and a thriller series for FX called The Veil.
A second season of SAS: Rogue Heroes and the Peaky Blinders movie are also in the works, along with (one day) the return of Taboo.
Knight commented on the announcement of A Thousand Blows: “I’m really thrilled to be working on this project with Stephen [Graham] as well as the very talented production team and group of writers.”
He added: “I always love to delve into untold history, and this is a story that really deserves to be told.”
A Thousand Blows follows the fortunes of Hezekiah and Alec, two best friends newly arrived from Jamaica.
Fighting for survival in the violent melting pot of Victorian London’s East End, they come up against Sugar Goodson, played by Stephen Graham.
Graham’s character is described as “a dangerous, veteran boxer.”
Alongside Steven Knight, other writers on the show will include Ameir Brown, Insook Chappell, Harlan Davies, and Yasmin Joseph, aided by historian Professor David Olusoga, who’s also acting as executive producer.
Stephen Graham, pictured above in White House Farm, commented: “To be able to work with Steve [Knight] again and the talented team of writers we have for this project is truly wonderful.”
Discussing “the privilege of bringing the role of Sugar Goodson to life,” he said: “To tell the story of these incredible characters during this period of time in London is a joy.”
A Thousand Blows will premiere on Hulu in the US, on Star+ in Latin America, and on Disney+ internationally in late 2023 or 2024.
Peaky Blinders is available on DVD.