Stephen Graham is to star in a new Disney+ series, from 'Peaky Blinders' creator Steven Knight.
Stephen Graham to star in Steven Knight's new Disney boxing drama
The 'Time' actor will appear in and executive produce new 12-part series 'A Thousand Blows', which is set in the perilous world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London.
Stephen said: "To be able to work with Steve again and the talented team of writers we have for this project is truly wonderful, and to tell the story of these incredible characters during this period of time in London is a joy.
"Aside from having the privilege of bringing the role of Sugar Goodson to life, I am also extremely proud that Matriarch is co-producing this show whilst helping to create opportunities for people in front of and behind the camera, instilling the ethos of providing training within production that otherwise would be difficult for some to pursue as a career. ‘Don't count the days... Make the days count.’ - Muhammad Ali.”
Steven is also the lead writer for the series, which will follow Hezekiah and Alec, two best friends from Jamaica who find themselves thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End.
He added: “I’m really thrilled to be working on this project with Stephen as well as the very talented production team and group of writers.
"I always love to delve into untold history, and this is a story that really deserves to be told. We are recreating an amazing world and telling a remarkable true story.”
In the series, Hezekiah meets Mary Carr, leader of The Forty Elephants – the notorious all-female London gang – as they battle for survival on the streets.
Hezekiah will also come up against Sugar Goodson, a seasoned and dangerous boxer played by Stephen, and the two are soon locked into an intense rivalry that spills out way beyond the ring.
Lee Mason, Director of Scripted Content, EMEA, Disney+, said: “It’s a privilege to work with this extraordinary group of talent, helmed by our fearless creator Steven Knight.
"'A Thousand Blows' tells a story that we rarely get to see on screen, and we are delighted to have the inimitable Stephen Graham and visionary Tinge Krishnan help bring this incredible world of richly diverse characters to life.”
Tinge Krishnan will serve as lead director and executive producer on the series.
Disney+ will be creating 60 local productions by 2024 as it continues to work with outstanding creators and premium producers as part of the company’s commitment to source, develop and produce original productions in Europe.
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