Disney+ has recently rolled out its latest historical drama, A Thousand Blows, which has already piqued the interest of viewers and critics alike. Set against the backdrop of Victorian London, the show intertwines the intense world of illegal boxing with the gritty lives of its main characters, painting a vivid picture of survival and ambition.
The narrative follows Jamaican immigrants Hezekiah Moscow, played by Malachi Kirby, and his best friend Alec Munroe, portrayed by Francis Lovehall, as they navigate the treacherous underbelly of 1880s London. Their lives intertwine with the enigmatic Mary Carr, the fearless leader of the all-female criminal gang known as the Forty Elephants, played by Erin Doherty. The tension escalates as they encounter Sugar Goodson, the self-appointed king of London's bare-knuckle boxing scene, embodied by Stephen Graham.
Disney+ describes the series as "inspired by the true life stories of a group of characters battling for survival in the brutal East End of London in the 1880s," highlighting the show’s grounding in authenticity.
Erin Doherty’s performance is garnering acclaim as she steps away from her role as Princess Anne in The Crown to tackle the complex character of Mary Carr. Known for her resilience and cunning, Doherty embodies the essence of Carr, showcasing the fierce camaraderie within the Forty Elephants. Speaking about her preparation, she shared, "We had a full-fledged initiation… It made it happen." This off-screen bonding forged the loyalty necessary to portray the gang realistically.
The character of Mary Carr is not merely fictional; she leads the Forty Elephants—a real-life gang notorious for their audacious thefts throughout London from the late 19th century. The show paints her as the shrewd leader who exploits Hezekiah's boxing talent as part of her schemes.
A Thousand Blows premiered on February 21, 2025, and already has fans eagerly watching all six episodes. The series brings to light the stories of those often overlooked by history, contrasting the lives of immigrants and women with the brutal realities of the time.
The production took place at The Story Works, which turned the historic site of the Mortlake Brewery in South West London, known as one of the largest film and television studios,into the setting for this period piece. Producer Tom Miller detailed the challenges they faced, stating, “We had to put aside being TV producers and become building project managers.” With the entire area transformed, the cast was immersed in the historical fabric of the series.
A Thousand Blows invites viewers to witness the struggles and successes of its characters against the backdrop of boxing and crime. The show explores Hezekiah's rise through the boxing ranks and how his ambitions conflict with Sugar Goodson's control over the East End’s boxing world.
Fans can now stream the complete first season on Disney+, with the promise of more to come; the series was renewed for another season shortly after its premiere. The compelling interplay between drama, real-life history, and the chaotic world of criminal enterprises makes it a must-watch for those intrigued by both sports and historical narratives.
With strong performances backed by stellar direction from showrunner Steven Knight, A Thousand Blows aims not just to tell the stories of its protagonists but also to reflect the broader societal themes surrounding them. Through the lens of boxing and gang life, it highlights resilience, identity, and the constant battle for survival.