A Thousand Blows: First look, Release date, cast, plot, & Everything we know so far

A Thousand Blows, the upcoming period drama from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, will transport viewers to the gritty, violent world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London. 

With an intense storyline centered around two Jamaican friends thrust into this perilous underworld, the series promises to be as riveting and visceral as Knight's previous works. Featuring a stellar cast, including BAFTA winner Malachi Kirby as Hezekiah Moscow and Stephen Graham as the menacing Sugar Goodson, the show is already generating significant buzz.

Recently, Hulu released the first-look images for A Thousand Blows, giving fans a tantalizing glimpse of what's to come. These photos showcase the raw, unforgiving atmosphere of Victorian London and introduce key characters, hinting at the intense rivalries and battles that lie ahead.

This article delves into everything you need to know about A Thousand Blows, from plot details and cast insights to the latest updates. We'll keep this space refreshed with new information as it becomes available, ensuring you’re always in the loop on this must-watch series. Don't miss a beat—stay tuned!

Release date & Where to Watch

A Thousand Blows is set to premiere on Disney+ in the UK, Ireland, and select countries and on Hulu in the US in 2025. The 12-part series, produced by The Story Collective in collaboration with Matriarch Productions and Water & Power Productions, currently has no confirmed release date.

Plot

A Thousand Blows, Steven Knight’s upcoming series, is set against the gritty backdrop of 1880s Victorian London and dives into the dangerous world of illegal boxing. The show focuses on Hezekiah Moscow, a man who arrives in London's East End from Jamaica and quickly becomes entangled in the criminal underworld of the thriving boxing scene. Hezekiah soon crosses paths with Mary Carr, the formidable leader of The Forty Elephants, an all-female gang notorious for shoplifting and survival on the harsh streets of London.

As Hezekiah sharpens his boxing skills, he finds himself pitted against Sugar Goodson, a seasoned and dangerous boxer played by Stephen Graham. Their rivalry extends beyond the ring, driving much of the series' intense drama. The show not only explores the brutal boxing world but also delves into the social dynamics of London in the post-industrial revolution era, with a focus on survival and power struggles in the city’s criminal underbelly.

Cast

• Stephen Graham (Little Boy Blue, Pirates of the Caribbean: Salazar’s Revenge, and Peaky Blinders) as Sugar Goodson
• Malachi Kirby (Small Axe) as Hezekiah Moscow
• Francis Lovehall as Alec Munroe
• Jason Tobin (Warrior) as Mr Lao
• James Nelson-Joyce (The Gold) as Edward “Treacle” Goodson
• 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
• Caoilfhionn Dunne as Anne Glover
• 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
• Robert Glenister as Indigo Jeremy
• Erin Doherty (The Crown, Chloe)
• Malachi Kirby (Small Axe, Wicked Little Letters) 

Trailer

It's still too early for a trailer, but once Disney Plus or Hulu releases one, we'll share it on this page.

Where is A Thousand Blows Filmed?

The series is set in the dangerous world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London and was filmed in the UK. Principal photography began in London in March 2023.

Behind the Scenes

The series A Thousand Blows is brought to life by acclaimed screenwriter Steven Knight, who also serves as the lead writer and executive producer. Starring and executive produced by Stephen Graham, the series features additional writing from a talented group of new voices, including Ameir Brown, Insook Chappell, Harlan Davies, and Yasmin Joseph. Direction is helmed by Tinge Krishnan and Nick Murphy, who also serve as executive producers, alongside Ashley Walters and Coky Giedroyc.

Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters, representing Matriarch Productions, are joined by Damian Keogh and Kate Lewis of The Story Collective, as well as Tom Miller and Sam Myer of Water & Power Productions, in executive producing the series. The production also benefits from the expertise of award-winning broadcaster and historian Professor David Olusoga, who serves as an executive producer. For Disney+, Lee Mason, Director of Scripted Content, oversees the series, with Tom Miller as Series Producer and Barrington Robinson and Jo Johnson as producers.