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 series from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight.
A Thousand Blows is ‘set in the perilous world of illegal boxing in 1880s Victorian London’.
The six-part Disney Plus series 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.
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.
First-look images of the show were released this week, with one showing Stephen shirtless in the boxing ring.
The actor 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.
After seeing the photos, many fans couldn’t help but comment on Stephen’s new look.
‘Stephen Graham’s all buffed up – WOW!!!’ Mark commented on X.
‘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.’
‘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.’
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A Thousand Blows will be released on Disney Plus next year.
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