Disney+ has released a tantalising first look at the upcoming second series of its critically acclaimed historical drama, A Thousand Blows. The new images offer fans a glimpse of the gritty world awaiting them when the show returns with six new episodes on January 9.
First Look at Returning Characters
The fresh batch of promotional pictures confirms the return of the show's core cast. Erin Doherty, 33, is seen reprising her role as the formidable Mary Carr, leader of the all-female criminal gang the Forty Elephants. In one striking image, she holds a gun with deadly intent while dressed in a bold red gown.
Meanwhile, Stephen Graham, 52, appears as the menacing Sugar Goodson, looking dapper in a blue waistcoat and checkered shirt. The actor, who also starred alongside Doherty in Netflix's 2025 hit Adolescence, is a central figure in the East End power struggle.
The series' protagonist, Malachi Kirby, 36, returns as Hezekiah Moscow, the Jamaican immigrant thrust into London's violent criminal underworld in the 1880s. The ensemble cast also features Francis Lovehall, James Nelson-Joyce, Jason Tobin, Hannah Walters, Caoilfhionn Dunne, Jemma Carlton, and Tom Davis.
What to Expect in the New Series
Created by Steven Knight, the mastermind behind Peaky Blinders, the drama premiered on Disney+ in February 2025 to strong reviews. The official synopsis sets the stage for the new season: 'Jamaican immigrant, Hezekiah Moscow, finds himself thrust into the criminal underbelly of London's East End.'
'He meets Mary Carr, Queen of an all-female criminal gang known as the Forty Elephants and runs afoul of Sugar Goodson, a notorious boxer and Wapping’s self-declared emperor. As the men lock horns, Mary draws them into her plans to secure her future and her crown.'
Audience Acclaim and Anticipation
The first series has garnered an impressive 7.3 out of 10 rating on IMDB, with viewers drawing favourable comparisons to Peaky Blinders. Fan reviews praised the show's gripping narrative and character depth.
One viewer wrote, 'Bring on season 2, I hope it manages to be no less than what's gone before, never looked forward to a series as I have with this one.' Another stated, 'ABSOLUTELY EPIC. Just like Peaky Blinders this is so well written. Also like Peaky Blinders once you start watching it you can't stop.'
Following the recent release of the season two trailer, excitement has built rapidly online, with fans commenting, 'Glad it's back' and 'Yes! One of the best series of 2025.'
The wait for the next chapter is now almost over. All six episodes of A Thousand Blows season two will be available to stream exclusively on Disney+ from January 9. The first series remains available to watch in full on the platform.
