The world of British boxing is set to take center stage in a novel high-stakes drama, “Fightland,” as Sky joins forces with Starz as a co-commission partner. The series, executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, promises a gripping look into the cutthroat world of the sport, blending ambition, betrayal, and the fight for redemption. This collaboration marks another step in the growing partnership between Sky and Starz, building on previous successful ventures like the period drama “Amadeus” and the darkly comic thriller “Sweetpea.”
“Fightland” isn’t just another sports drama. it’s Starz’s first wholly owned series, signaling a strategic shift towards building a fully owned pipeline of original content. This move aims to bolster STARZ’s slate with premium originals, acquisitions, and franchises, ultimately serving a wider audience, particularly women and underrepresented groups. The co-commission deal extends beyond “Fightland,” including future first look partnerships on upcoming Starz series, solidifying a long-term creative alliance.
The eight-episode first season recently wrapped production in London and centers on Maduka “Duke” Kilroy, portrayed by Howard Charles, a disgraced and formerly incarcerated boxing champion. Kilroy returns to London seeking vengeance against a crime family he believes betrayed him, setting the stage for a compelling narrative of ambition, and retribution. The series promises a dynamic blend of action and character-driven storytelling, set against the backdrop of the British boxing scene.
According to Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming at Starz, the partnership with Sky is crucial to their creative vision. “We’re thrilled to be stepping back in the ring with our partners at Sky and look forward to building upon the next chapter of our long-standing creative collaboration together,” Busby stated. “’Fightland’ delivers a dynamic blend of action and fearless, character-driven storytelling set against the vibrant backdrop of British boxing. We’re proud to debut this bold drama as our first-fully owned original series.”
Katie Keenan, Group Director of Acquisitions for Sky UK and Europe, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the series’ potential for global impact. “‘Fightland’ is a bold and compelling British production with a distinctive voice and the potential for true global impact,” Keenan said. “We are proud to partner with Starz to continue offering premium, character-driven storytelling for our customers. This series is a natural fit for our growing Sky audiences who are drawn to ambitious, high-impact drama.”
The production team behind “Fightland” boasts a wealth of experience. Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson executive produces through his G-Unit Film & Television, alongside Francis Hopkinson (“Wallander,” “Bancroft”) and Kate Leadbetter (“Woman in White,” “Catherine the Great”) of Expanded Media. Damione Macedon (“Power,” “BMF,” “Genius: MLK/X”) and Raphael Jackson Jr. (“Power,” “BMF,” “Genius: MLK/X”) serve as showrunners, executive producers, and writers, with Daniel Fajemisin-Duncan and Marlon Smith also contributing as executive producers and writers.
“Fightland” is slated to air later this year in the U.S. On the STARZ app and all STARZ streaming and on-demand platforms, and will broadcast on Sky and the streaming service NOW in the U.K. And Ireland. The series represents a significant investment in British boxing storytelling and a strategic move for both Starz and Sky as they continue to expand their original programming offerings.
As production wraps and the release date approaches, anticipation builds for this new drama. The collaboration between Starz and Sky, coupled with the creative vision of 50 Cent and a talented team of writers and producers, positions “Fightland” as a potentially impactful addition to the landscape of television crime dramas. Viewers can expect a compelling narrative that explores the complexities of ambition, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of redemption within the high-stakes world of British boxing.
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