Stephen Graham's 6-month transformation made bare-knuckle boxing with him a terrifying experience.

Steven Knight's latest historical show is unapologetically bold.

February 11th 2025.

Stephen Graham's 6-month transformation made bare-knuckle boxing with him a terrifying experience.
Steven Knight's new period drama is intense and gripping, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats. The scenes in the ring are heart-pounding, with sweat dripping from brows and tightly clenched fists. The crowd is loud and boisterous, adding to the intense atmosphere. It's hard to imagine the fear and adrenaline that comes with bare-knuckle boxing, both for the characters in the show and for the actors filming the gritty drama, A Thousand Blows, on Disney Plus.

Set in the vicious Victorian era of 1880s London, the show follows the stories of the all-female gang, the Forty Elephants, two friends who have traveled from Jamaica to England, and an illegal underground boxing ring. The lead stars, Stephen Graham, Erin Doherty, and Malachi Kirby, spoke to Metro about their roles in the show, where their characters literally come to blows as they fight for survival on the unforgiving streets of London.

Stephen Graham, who plays Hezekiah Moscow, spoke about the physical transformation he underwent for the role, which involved six months of intense training before filming even began. He had his own boxing coach and trainer to help him prepare for the demanding fight scenes. Despite the long and grueling days on set, Stephen emphasized that it was a fun and safe atmosphere, thanks to the great fight coordinator and stuntmen who helped them give their all in the scenes.

For Malachi Kirby, who plays veteran boxer Sugar Goodson opposite Stephen's character, the experience was both terrifying and electric. He admitted to feeling scared facing someone like Stephen, but drew inspiration from the real-life photo of boxer Hezekiah Moscow. Malachi also praised the supporting artists on set, saying that they were immersed in the scenes and helped elevate the atmosphere.

Erin Doherty's character, Mary Carr, is a cunning member of the Forty Elephants, who use their wit and knuckle dusters to scheme and steal in a patriarchal society. Erin shared that she loved playing a strong female character and exploring the violence that is often associated with male roles. She also discussed a shocking moment in the show where Mary puts a gun in a man's mouth, saying that it felt completely necessary for her character to express herself in that way.

In conclusion, A Thousand Blows is a gripping and intense period drama that doesn't hold back in its portrayal of the violent and unforgiving world of 1880s London. The talented cast, along with the dedicated crew, have brought this gritty story to life, and audiences are sure to be captivated by the heart-pounding action and powerful performances.
Steven Knight's latest project, a period drama, is nothing short of intense and gripping. Just the thought of entering a ring for a bare-knuckle boxing match is enough to make one's heart race and beads of sweat form on their forehead. The tension is palpable, with the crowd cheering loudly and your opponent staring you down with an intimidating gaze. This is the world that Steven Knight has brought to life in his new gritty series, A Thousand Blows, which will be available on Disney Plus.

Set in the ruthless Victorian era of 1880s London, the show follows the intertwined stories of the all-female gang, the Forty Elephants, two best friends who have travelled from Jamaica to England, and the underground world of illegal boxing. Metro recently had the opportunity to speak with lead stars Stephen Graham, Erin Doherty, and Malachi Kirby, who play characters caught up in the harsh realities of survival on the unforgiving streets of London.

In the series, Hezekiah Moscow, a newcomer from Jamaica, finds himself pitted against the seasoned boxer Sugar Goodson, who has the support of the cunning leader of the Forty Elephants, Mary Carr. When the first images and trailer were released, many were shocked by Stephen's physical transformation for the role. In our interview, the 51-year-old actor revealed that he had started training six months before filming began.

Training for the fight sequences was a grueling process, with long days on set from morning till night. Stephen shared that he had his own boxing coach and trainer, and he was grateful to have had the time to prepare for the physically demanding role. The atmosphere on set, despite the intense scenes, was safe and enjoyable, thanks to the talented fight coordinator and stuntmen who worked tirelessly to bring the fights to life.

Malachi, who plays Hezekiah, admitted to feeling terrified while facing off against Stephen, a renowned tough guy on screen. However, he found the energy on set during the boxing scenes to be electric. The supporting artists were outstanding, fully immersed in their roles and bringing a raw intensity to the scenes. For Malachi, it was a privilege to work alongside such dedicated professionals.

As for Erin, her character Mary is a force to be reckoned with in a patriarchal society. Alongside the Forty Elephants, she uses her cunning and skill to outsmart and steal from others, even resorting to violence when necessary. In one shocking moment, she puts a gun in a man's mouth, showcasing the brutal reality of the world they live in. For Erin, playing this complex and multifaceted character was a refreshing and empowering experience.

A Thousand Blows promises to be a gripping and intense journey through the underbelly of Victorian London. With a talented cast and crew, including the mastermind behind Peaky Blinders, Steven Knight, the show is sure to leave a lasting impression. So buckle up and get ready for a heart-pounding and thrilling ride through the streets of the Big Smoke.

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