Premiering on Hulu on February 21, 2025, A Thousand Blows is a gritty historical drama set in the brutal world of 19th-century bare-knuckle boxing. The series follows Hezekiah Moscow (Malachi Kirby), a former slave turned underground fighter, as he navigates the treacherous streets of Victorian London. Alongside Mary Carr (Erin Doherty), a fiery suffragette with her own secrets, Hezekiah becomes embroiled in a high-stakes battle against corrupt promoters, rival fighters, and the oppressive forces of the British Empire.
With its visceral fight sequences, rich period detail, and themes of resilience and rebellion, A Thousand Blows is a raw and unflinching exploration of survival and defiance. The series boasts a stellar ensemble cast, blending rising stars and seasoned actors to bring this turbulent world to life.
The cast list of A Thousand Blows:
– Malachi Kirby as Hezekiah Moscow
Malachi Kirby, acclaimed for his roles in Roots (2016) and Black Mirror (2016), stars as Hezekiah Moscow, a man fighting for freedom in every sense. Kirby’s ability to convey quiet strength and simmering rage, as seen in The Hour (2011–2012), makes him a perfect fit for Hezekiah’s journey from oppression to empowerment.
Detail: A Thousand Blows (2025) cast, Release date, trailer and exciting new spin-off
In A Thousand Blows, Kirby’s performance captures Hezekiah’s physical prowess and emotional depth, anchoring the series with a portrayal that’s both powerful and poignant. His chemistry with Erin Doherty adds a layer of emotional complexity to the story.
– Erin Doherty as Mary Carr
Erin Doherty, best known for her breakout role as Princess Anne in The Crown (2019–2020), plays Mary Carr, a fearless suffragette with a hidden past. Doherty’s ability to portray intelligence and determination, as seen in Chloe (2022), makes Mary a standout character.
In A Thousand Blows, Doherty’s performance explores Mary’s dual life as an activist and a fighter, blending vulnerability with fierce resolve. Her dynamic with Kirby drives the series’ emotional core, highlighting the intersection of gender and racial struggles.
– Stephen Graham as Sugar Goodson
Stephen Graham, a powerhouse actor known for Boardwalk Empire (2010–2014) and This Is England (2006–2010), plays Sugar Goodson, a ruthless boxing promoter. Graham’s ability to embody complex, morally ambiguous characters makes Sugar a compelling antagonist.
In A Thousand Blows, Graham’s performance crackles with menace and charisma, as Sugar’s schemes threaten to derail Hezekiah’s rise. His scenes with Kirby and James Nelson-Joyce are electric, adding layers of tension and intrigue.
– Francis Lovehall as Alec
Francis Lovehall, known for Small Axe (2020) and The Witcher (2019–present), plays Alec, Hezekiah’s loyal friend and fellow fighter. Lovehall’s ability to convey warmth and resilience makes Alec a grounding presence.
In A Thousand Blows, Lovehall’s performance highlights the bonds of brotherhood, as Alec stands by Hezekiah through thick and thin. His chemistry with Kirby adds emotional depth to the series.
– Jason Tobin as Lao
Jason Tobin, known for Warrior (2019–2023) and Fast & Furious 9 (2021), plays Lao, a mysterious martial artist with ties to Hezekiah’s past. Tobin’s ability to blend intensity and wisdom makes Lao a standout character.
In A Thousand Blows, Tobin’s performance adds a layer of cultural richness, as Lao’s teachings become crucial to Hezekiah’s growth. His fight scenes are a highlight of the series.
– James Nelson-Joyce as Treacle Goodson
James Nelson-Joyce, known for Peaky Blinders (2013–2022) and The Last Kingdom (2015–2022), plays Treacle Goodson, Sugar’s volatile enforcer. Nelson-Joyce’s ability to portray menace and unpredictability makes Treacle a formidable foe.
In A Thousand Blows, Nelson-Joyce’s performance adds a layer of danger, as Treacle’s loyalty to Sugar is tested by his own ambitions. His scenes with Kirby and Graham are explosive.
– Jemma Carlton as Belle Downer
Jemma Carlton, known for The Nevers (2021) and The Irregulars (2021), plays Belle Downer, a brothel owner with a sharp mind and sharper tongue. Carlton’s ability to portray strength and vulnerability makes Belle a standout.
In A Thousand Blows, Carlton’s performance adds a layer of intrigue, as Belle’s connections prove invaluable to Hezekiah’s fight. Her chemistry with Kirby and Doherty highlights the series’ exploration of power dynamics.
– Daniel Mays as William Punch Lewis
Daniel Mays, known for Line of Duty (2012–2021) and Good Omens (2019–present), plays William Punch Lewis, a legendary boxer turned mentor. Mays’ ability to convey gruff wisdom and hidden pain makes Lewis a compelling figure.
In A Thousand Blows, Mays’ performance adds gravitas, as Lewis’s guidance becomes pivotal to Hezekiah’s journey. His scenes with Kirby are a masterclass in mentorship and mutual respect.
– Darci Shaw as Alice Diamond
Darci Shaw, known for The Bay (2019–present) and The Irregulars (2021), plays Alice Diamond, a young pickpocket with a knack for survival. Shaw’s ability to portray resourcefulness and vulnerability makes Alice a fan favorite.
In A Thousand Blows, Shaw’s performance adds a layer of street-smart charm, as Alice’s skills prove crucial to the fight against Sugar. Her dynamic with Kirby and Doherty highlights the series’ themes of resilience.
– Morgan Hilaire as Esme Long
Morgan Hilaire, known for The Witcher (2019–present) and The Last Kingdom (2015–2022), plays Esme Long, a fierce fighter with a tragic past. Hilaire’s ability to convey strength and sorrow makes Esme a standout.
In A Thousand Blows, Hilaire’s performance adds emotional depth, as Esme’s journey mirrors Hezekiah’s struggle for freedom. Her fight scenes are a testament to her physical and emotional range.
– Ziggy Heath as Peggy Bettinson
Ziggy Heath, known for The Irregulars (2021) and The Witcher (2019–present), plays Peggy Bettinson, a scrappy fighter with a chip on her shoulder. Heath’s ability to portray defiance and vulnerability makes Peggy a compelling character.
In A Thousand Blows, Heath’s performance adds a layer of youthful rebellion, as Peggy’s determination inspires those around her. Her chemistry with Kirby and Shaw highlights the series’ themes of solidarity.
– Ned Dennehy as Bull Jeremy
Ned Dennehy, known for Peaky Blinders (2013–2022) and Good Omens (2019–present), plays Bull Jeremy, a hulking enforcer with a tragic past. Dennehy’s ability to convey menace and vulnerability makes Bull a standout.
In A Thousand Blows, Dennehy’s performance adds a layer of physical and emotional intensity, as Bull’s loyalty is tested by his own demons. His scenes with Kirby and Graham are electric.
– Adam Nagaitis as Lord Lonsdale
Adam Nagaitis, known for The Terror (2018–2019) and Chernobyl (2019), plays Lord Lonsdale, a wealthy aristocrat with a dark secret. Nagaitis’ ability to portray charm and menace makes Lonsdale a compelling antagonist.
In A Thousand Blows, Nagaitis’ performance adds a layer of aristocratic intrigue, as Lonsdale’s machinations threaten to derail Hezekiah’s rise. His scenes with Kirby and Doherty crackle with tension.
– Maeve Dermody as Lady Grace Lonsdale
Maeve Dermody, known for The Secret Scripture (2016) and The Nevers (2021), plays Lady Grace Lonsdale, a woman trapped in a gilded cage. Dermody’s ability to convey intelligence and despair makes Grace a standout.
In A Thousand Blows, Dermody’s performance adds emotional depth, as Grace’s quiet rebellion mirrors the series’ themes of defiance. Her chemistry with Nagaitis and Kirby highlights the intersection of class and gender struggles.
With its stellar cast, visceral storytelling, and rich historical backdrop, A Thousand Blows is set to be Hulu’s next must-watch drama. Stream it on February 21, 2025—but be prepared for a knockout experience.
