Starz has released the official trailer for Fightland, its new British boxing drama executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, ahead of its July 31 premiere. The series marks a milestone for the network as its first wholly owned original following its separation from Lionsgate, as the two formally became independent public companies earlier this year.
Set against the gritty world of British boxing and London’s criminal underworld, Fightland centers on Duke Kilroy, played by Howard Charles, a world heavyweight champion whose life unravels on the night of his greatest triumph. A vicious assault kills his brother Calvin, Duke’s reaction costs him eight years in a U.S. prison, and upon his release he returns to London with one goal: vengeance against Kingsley Marshall, played by Nicholas Pinnock, the criminal kingpin and former boxing promoter he believes orchestrated his downfall.
But Kingsley has vanished, leaving behind a fractured empire managed by his family, including his wife Joy, played by Deborah Ayorinde, who shares a complicated romantic history with Duke. To smoke out his enemy, Duke embeds himself inside Kingsley’s organization, navigating cartel influence, shifting loyalties and London’s drug trade. As competing forces threaten to pull him off course, Duke must channel the same discipline that made him a champion into his most dangerous fight yet.
The ensemble cast also includes Anita-Joy Uwajeh as Cebella “Cece” Marshall, Charles Babalola as Ezekiel “Zeek” Marshall, Tahirah Sharif as Kim Harper, Tyler Conti as Justin “Jay” Hall and Richard Pepple as Gary “Gazzer” Kilroy.
The series was created by Daniel Fajemisin-Duncan and Marlon Smith, who also serve as executive producers and writers. Damione Macedon and Raphael Jackson Jr., both veterans of Power and BMF, serve as showrunners and executive producers. Otto Bathurst, known for Peaky Blinders, directs and executive produces the first two episodes. Jackson produces through his G-Unit Film & Television banner alongside Francis Hopkinson and Kate Leadbetter of Expanded Media.
Fightland premieres July 31 on Starz, with new episodes dropping weekly on Fridays.