Actor Stephen Graham is set to make waves in the new crime drama, A Thousand Blows. Taking place during the gritty 1880s, the show delves into the lives of two Jamaican best friends, Hezekiah Moscow (Malachi Kirby) and Alec Munroe (Francis Lovehall) navigating the unforgiving East End of London.
The series draws on real-life tales from that era’s characters, thrusting viewers into the vicious world of bare-knuckle boxing in London.
Featuring gripping scenes, A Thousand Blows sees Hezekiah Moscow rise to fame with his boxing prowess, catching the eye of Mary Carr (Erin Doherty), leader of the Forty Elephants. Unbeknownst to Hezekiah, Mary does not have his best interests at heart and uses him for her criminal gains.
As Hezekiah soaks in the limelight and affluence, Sugar Goodson (Stephen Graham), the formidable star of East End’s boxing scene, has schemes of his own.
Dead set on disrupting the boxer’s dreams of competing in the West End, Sugar poses a threat to everything Hezekiah has accomplished.
The show explores the lives of best friends Hezekiah Moscow (Malachi Kirby) and Alec Munroe (Francis Lovehall) (Image: DISNEY /RICH CAIN)
Despite Sugar’s intimidating façade, Mary Carr uncovers another layer to his persona that no one else can. In a fascinating insight, Stephen Graham reveals the unique dynamic between Sugar and Mary, noting that Mary exposes aspects of Sugar previously unseen, reports
Paying homage to their story arc and co-star Erin Doherty’s performance, Stephen said: “Sugar’s story with Mary is really interesting. She brings out a completely different side to Sugar that nobody else really gets to see.”
“She gets to see his vulnerability because he feels he can let his guard down with her. There’s a longing, there’s a deep sense of love between them, a deep connection. He has great respect for her.
Sharing a glimpse into the actor’s process, he disclosed that he and Erin created a backstory for their characters to draw upon while performing. He added: “Erin and I created a backstory just for us to have in the back of our minds when playing these two characters. I love Erin, she’s wonderful to work with.”
Stephen had nothing but praise for his co-star (Image: DISNEY /RICH CAIN)
Delving deeper into his character, Stephen explained that Sugar is the proprietor of the Blue Coat Boy pub, home to the last remaining bare-knuckle boxing ring. He was drawn to the role due to Sugar’s intricate personality.
Stephen elaborated: “His view on life gives the character realism, which is ultimately what attracts me to the roles I play. Sugar’s complexities stem from overcoming a mass trauma as a child.
“He’s had to fight to get where he is and overcome adversity in order to carve his world out in the East End of London. He’s had to fight to get where he is, and he doesn’t want to lose it.”
Upon his introduction, Sugar is the undisputed champion of the boxing empire, with Stephen portraying him as the ‘king of his own kingdom’. Fiercely protective of the pub and community he has built alongside his brother, Sugar commands both fear and respect.
The series is set in 1880s in the brutal East End of London (Image: DISNEY /RICH CAIN)
Stephen described: “He’s as honest as the day is long, sometimes to a fault. Sure, he does a few little deals here and there on the side, but he’s ultimately a survivor. He’s very proud of the roots he has made in Wapping.
“Sugar is very protective of his status as a fearsome opponent in the boxing ring. He sees bare-knuckle boxing as a working man’s sport. It’s honourable and for it to be honourable you fight with fists, you don’t wear gloves.”
“He’s fearful of the gentrification of the sport that he knows and loves. In Sugar’s mind, the noble art of boxing is being bastardised by the hoi polloi out West. He’s got old-fashioned values tied up in the sport. I loved playing him.”
A Thousand Blows will premiere on Disney+ on February 21, 2025.