Stephen Graham transforms into boxing legend in Steven Knight’s A Thousand Blows first-look images

Virgin Radio

21 Aug 2024, 15:15

Stephen Graham looks almost unrecognisable as he bulks up to play Sugar Goodson in Peaky Blinder creator Steven Knight’s latest project, A Thousand Blows. 

Knight is at the helm of the upcoming 12-part series, which will detail the perilous world of illegal boxing in 1880’s Victorian London.

The series follows Hezekiah (Malachi Kirby) and Alec (Francis Lovehall) – “two best friends from Jamaica who find themselves thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End”, as described by the official Disney+ synopsis.

------------------------------------

DON'T MISS:

Sailing pun wins Edinburgh Fringe funniest joke 2024

Richard Hammond calls himself and Jeremy Clarkson 'idiots' for becoming business owners

Celebrity Race Across The World 2024 begins and viewers have already chosen their favourite team

------------------------------------

It continues: “Drawn into the criminal underbelly of the thriving boxing scene, Hezekiah meets Mary Carr (Erin Doherty), leader of The Forty Elephants – the notorious all-female London gang – as they battle for survival on the streets. As Hezekiah sharpens his new skills, he comes up against Sugar Goodson (Graham), a seasoned and dangerous boxer and the two are soon locked into an intense rivalry that spills out way beyond the ring.”

The first-look images released by Disney+ today (21st August) show Stephen as the notorious boxer, who is based on the real-life Goodson, with the Liverpudlian actor squaring up to his next opponent. 

The Crown’s Doherty can also be seen hanging off the ring ropes, while Kirby cuts a mysterious figure through the streets of the East End. 

The wider ensemble cast includes 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 includes Hannah Walters as Eliza Moody, Darci Shaw as Alice Diamond, Nadia Albina as Verity Ross, Morgan Hilaire as Esme Long, Jemma Carlton as Belle Downer and Caoilfhionn Dunne as Anne Glover.

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.

Speaking in a statement about the release when it was originally confirmed in 2022,  Knight said: “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.”

Graham added: “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.”

There is currently no release date for A Thousand Blows but it’s expected to land on Disney+ in 2025.