Stephen Graham’s transformation for his role in the upcoming boxing drama series “A Thousand Blows” has been widely praised. The series, created by “Peaky Blinders” writer Steven Knight, is set in the illegal boxing world of Victorian London in the 1880s. Small Axe’s Malachi Kirby stars as a boxer who faces off against Graham’s character, Sugar Goodson, a formidable bare-knuckle fighter.
To prepare for the role, the 51-year-old actor worked with a professional bodybuilder to enhance his physique. First-look images from the series show Graham displaying his sculpted shoulders and muscular biceps in a boxing ring. Fans have taken to social media to commend Graham’s dedication to the role, with some comparing his new look to Tom Hardy’s portrayal of Bane in the Batman franchise.
It has been suggested that Graham should consider roles in action movies and even Marvel superhero films. “A Thousand Blows” will follow Kirby’s character, Hezekiah Moscow, as he navigates the criminal underworld of the illegal boxing scene and encounters Mary Carr, played by “The Crown’s Erin Doherty. The show is set to depict a fierce rivalry between Hezekiah and Graham’s character, Sugar Goodson.
In 2022, Graham documented his rigorous workout routines, including cardio, weightlifting, and rope pulling, on social media. His personal trainer also shared videos of the actor doing pull-ups with a heavy chain attached. Bodybuilder Rob Thurston commented on Graham’s incredible physical transformation on Instagram, commending his dedication to preparing for the role.
Graham’s wife, actor Hannah Walters, playfully compared him to Popeye, implying that he could effortlessly crush a can. At the time of the interview, the film “A Thousand Blows” was still in pre-production. Graham mentioned that the crew was diligently working on constructing a complex set for the filming. According to him, there were approximately 35 to 50 carpenters on-site, in addition to scaffolders and workshop artisans, all dedicated to bringing the sets to life. He expressed excitement about witnessing the world they were creating slowly taking shape. “A Thousand Blows” is scheduled for release on Disney+ and Hulu in 2025.
