Hulu has released an official first look at A Thousand Blows, an ambitious new UK Original series set in the cutthroat world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London. Created by Steven Knight, the visionary behind the globally acclaimed series Peaky Blinders, the series is slated to premiere in 2025 on Disney+ in the UK and Ireland, Hulu in the U.S., and in select other countries via Disney+.
The first-look images offer a glimpse of BAFTA award-winning actor Malachi Kirby (Small Axe) as Hezekiah Moscow, a Jamaican immigrant navigating the perilous streets of post-industrial revolution London’s East End. Thrust into the brutal boxing scene, Hezekiah encounters Mary Carr, portrayed by Erin Doherty (The Crown), who leads the notorious all-female gang, The Forty Elephants. As Hezekiah hones his skills in the ring, he finds himself locked in a fierce rivalry with Sugar Goodson, played by Stephen Graham (Boiling Point, Boardwalk Empire), a battle-hardened boxer whose enmity with Hezekiah threatens to spill beyond the confines of the ring.
The ensemble cast also features Francis Lovehall as Hezekiah’s confidant Alec Munroe, Jason Tobin as Mr. Lao, and James Nelson-Joyce as Edward “Treacle” Goodson. The Forty Elephants gang is brought to life by Hannah Walters as Eliza Moody, Darci Shaw as Alice Diamond, Nadia Albina as Verity Ross, and others. Additional cast members include Susan Lynch as Jane Carr, Daniel Mays as William “Punch” Lewis, and Robert Glenister as Indigo Jeremy.
The Story Collective, in collaboration with Matriarch Productions and Water & Power Productions, brings this thrilling series to life under the masterful direction of Steven Knight. Knight serves as the lead writer, with contributions from emerging voices Ameir Brown, Insook Chappell, Harlan Davies, and Yasmin Joseph. The series is directed and executive produced by Tinge Krishnan and Nick Murphy, alongside Ashley Walters and Coky Giedroyc.
Reflecting on the project, Knight shared, “The passion and dedication behind this production are palpable from the very first frame. The narrative becomes even more compelling knowing it’s rooted in the lives of real people who navigated extraordinary challenges in extraordinary times.”
In addition to Knight, A Thousand Blows is executive produced by Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters for Matriarch Productions, Damian Keogh and Kate Lewis for The Story Collective, and Tom Miller and Sam Myer for Water & Power Productions. Esteemed historian Professor David Olusoga joins as an executive producer, with Tom Miller as Series Producer and Barrington Robinson and Jo Johnson as producers. The series is also executive produced for Disney+ by Lee Mason, Director of Scripted Content.
With its richly layered narrative and powerhouse performances, A Thousand Blows is set to be a gripping portrayal of survival and rivalry in the underbelly of Victorian London.