To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web
browser that
supports HTML5
video
Stephen Graham has undergone a massive transformation for his latest role as a boxer in 1880s London.
The 51-year-old actor is best known for starring in This is England, Line of Duty, Boardwalk Empire, Time and Peaky Blinders.
He’s also appeared in films including the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, The Irishman and Boiling Point.
Now Stephen is starring in A Thousand Blows from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, which is ‘set in the perilous world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London’.
The first full-length trailer for the Disney Plus drama dropped today – and fans are already clearing out their diaries to binge watch the six episodes.
On Reddit, rogerverbalkint raved: ‘Fantastic lead actor, interesting premise, old London setting. Inject it into my veins.’
Stephen has totally transformed his body to play the boxer (Picture: Robert Viglasky Photography)
He plays Sugar Goodman, a boxer connected to London’s criminal underbelly (Picture: Robert Viglasky Photography)
Gato1980 enthused: ‘This looks good. I don’t think I’ve ever been disappointed by one of Stephen Graham’s performances, and it’s nice to see Erin Doherty again after The Crown. She was one of the few highlights in seasons 3 and 4 for me as Princess Anne.’
Echoing their sentiment, ParistonxHill added: ‘After watching “This is England” I will now check out anything Stephen Graham is in.’
A Thousand Blows stars Malachi Kirby as Hezekiah Moscow, who finds himself thrust into the vibrant and violent melting pot of post-industrial revolution London’s East End from Jamaica.
Drawn into the criminal underbelly of the thriving boxing scene, he meets Mary Carr, played by Erin Doherty, leader of The Forty Elephants – the notorious all-female London gang – as they battle for survival on the streets.
Fans on social media said Stephen had got ‘jacked’ for the role (Picture: Joseph Sinclair)
Many also said they would be watching the show for Stephen alone (Picture: Mike Marsland/WireImage)
As Hezekiah sharpens his new skills, he comes up against Sugar Goodson, played by Stephen, a seasoned and dangerous boxer and the two are soon locked into an intense rivalry that spills out way beyond the ring.
As the trailer reveals, Stephen has buffed up for the role, with his character also having two tattoos on his chest – a portrait of a woman and a crow in the other.
Many fans couldn’t help but comment on Stephen’s new look on social media.
‘Stephen Graham’s all buffed up – WOW!!!’ Mark commented on X.
The show follows the intense rivalry between two boxers in Victorian London (Picture: Robert Viglasky)
‘DAMN TOMMY GOT JACKED,’ tjlightbulb commented, referencing the actor’s role in the 2000 film Snatch.
‘Stephen looking huge!’ Michael added.
Meanwhile, user Ryan declared he wanted to see Stephen ‘as the new Wolverine’.
Many others simply shared a series of fire emojis.
Viewers are also getting excited to tune in, with Jamie writing: ‘Looking forward to this one. Everything Stephen Graham touches is gold dust.’
Fans have already been clearing their diaries to binge watch the series (Picture: Robert Viglasky)
‘Oh… love that era of boxing. Should be ace,’ Gary also wrote.
A Thousand Blows, which has already filmed a second season, will also star Francis Lovehall as Hezekiah’s best friend Alec Munroe, Jason Tobin as Mr Lao and James Nelson-Joyce as Edward ‘Treacle’ Goodson.
Steven has spoken about the work that went into the series and the level of detail the audience can expect when they tune in.
‘The love and care that went into this thrilling production is evident on screen from the first moment,’ he said.
‘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.’
A Thousand Blows is coming to Disney Plus on Friday February 21.
This article was first published on August 22, 2024.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.