THE HIGHLY anticipated drama A Thousand Blows has released its first look images, showcasing Stephen Graham in his intense new role.
The 12 part series, created by Peaky Blinders mastermind Steven Knight, transports viewers to the dangerous underworld of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London.
Stephen (The Irishman, Help, Time) is an executive producer as well as a star in the new show, which centres around Sugar Goodson, a seasoned boxer who becomes embroiled in an intense rivalry that extends far beyond the ring.
The new images show Stephen’s face contorting with rage in the middle of a crucial match, as he lifts a fist to deliver a blow.
Joining Stephen on screen are BAFTA-winning actor Malachi Kirby and The Crown’s Erin Doherty.
Malachi takes on the role of Hezekiah Moscow, a Jamaican immigrant navigating the brutal streets of post-industrial revolution London’s East End.
Erin plays Mary Carr, the formidable leader of The Forty Elephants, a notorious all-female gang fighting for survival in this perilous world.
One of the images released features six women from The Forty Elephants who are staring fiercely into the camera with an unwavering gaze.
Some of them are hiking up their skirts to expose their petticoats, potentially as a way to demonstrate that they do not care about the constraints of ‘proper’ society.
Another snap shows Malachi Kirby gearing up for a fight with both of his fists raised while still decked in full formal wear including a shirt, bowtie, and waistcoat.
Elsewhere, he is photographed looking anxiously into the boxing ring and appears disturbed by what he sees.
Steven Knight, the lead writer for the series, has expressed his passion for the project.
He shared: “The love and care that went into this thrilling production is evident on screen from the first moment.
“What makes the story we tell all the more compelling is that it is based on the lives of real people who lived extraordinary lives in extraordinary times.”
Interestingly, it was the lead actor himself who came up with the concept for A Thousand Blows, before pitching the idea to Steven.
Steven revealed the show’s origin story, saying: “He [Stephen] contacted me and said, ‘Would you write an hour on this?’ I said, ‘Alright then.’ Then it got picked up, and it’s all in production now.”
The gripping series is set to premiere on Disney+ next year, with reports suggesting that a second season is already in development.
