Disney+ shares preview of new Steven Knight Victorian boxing drama ‘A Thousand Blows’

Disney+ has shared official preview images of the upcoming drama, A Thousand Blows, an epic new period series set in the perilous world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London. The drama is the latest brainchild of Steven Knight, acclaimed creator of the hit series, Peaky Blinders.

What is it about?

The photo shows the first glimpse of actor Malachi Kirby (“Small Axe”) as Hezekiah Moscow, who arrives from Jamaica and finds himself at the heart of the post-industrial revolution London’s East End. Through the boxing scene, he meets Mary Carr, played by Erin Doherty (“The Crown”), leader of The Forty Elephants – the notorious all-female London gang – as they battle for survival on the streets. As Hezekiah hones his boxing skills, he comes up against Sugar Goodson, played by Stephen Graham (Peaky Blinders), a seasoned and dangerous boxer, and the two soon become embroiled in an intense rivalry that extends far beyond the boxing ring.

Photo: Disney Plus
Photo: Disney Plus

Who is in the cast?

Stephen Graham, Malachi Kirby and Erin Doherty are joined by Francis Lovehall as Hezekiah’s best friend Alec Munroe, Jason Tobin as Mr Lao and James Nelson-Joyce as Edward “Treacle” Goodson. The Forty Elephants gang includes Hannah Walters, Darci Shaw, Nadia Albina, Morgan Hilaire, Jemma Carlton and Caoilfhionn Dunne. Additional cast includes Susan Lynch as Jane Carr, Daniel Mays as William ‘Punch’ Lewis, Adam Nagaitis as the Earl of Lonsdale, Gary Lewis as Jack Mac, Tom Davis as Charlie Mitchell and Robert Glenister as Indigo Jeremy.

Who is behind the series?

A Thousand Blows was created, written and executive produced by Steven Knight. Stephen Graham also acts as executive producer with Hannah Walters for Matriarch Productions, Damian Keogh and Kate Lewis for The Story Collective, and Tom Miller and Sam Myer for Water & Power Productions. Historian Professor David Olusoga acts as executive producer on the series with Tom Miller as Series Producer and Barrington Robinson and Jo Johnson as producers. Lee Mason Lee Mason, Director of Scripted Content for Disney + also acted as executive producer. 

Where can we watch it?

 A Thousand Blows is coming to Disney+ in the UK and Ireland, Hulu in the U.S. and select other countries on Disney+ in 2025.

 A second season has already been completed, but details are not available yet.

Peaky Blinders is available on DVD.