Sky partners with STARZ on high-impact boxing drama Fightland, executive produced by Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson

Sky has secured the original series Fightland – set in the cut-throat, high-stakes world of British boxing – with its ongoing partner, STARZ. The crime drama is a gripping story of redemption, betrayal, and brutal ambition in and out of the ring and is executive-produced by Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson through his G-Unit Film & Television.

The eight-episode high-octane series follows Maduka ‘Duke’ Kilroy (Howard Charles), a disgraced, formerly incarcerated boxing champion who returns to London to seek vengeance against the crime family he thinks betrayed him. With edge-of-your-seat action and a cast of dangerous characters, this is a world of money and power never seen before.

Katie Keenan, Group Director of Acquisitions for Sky UK and Europe, says: “Fightland is a bold and compelling British production with a distinctive voice and the potential for true global impact. 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.”

Kathryn Busby, President of Original Programming, STARZ says: “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. 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.”

Howard Charles (Top Boy, Whitstable Pearl) will take on the lead role of Maduka ‘Duke’ Kilroy, a former heavyweight world champion who, after a traumatic tragedy, returns home to London to enact revenge. Nicholas Pinnock (Hedda, For Life) has been cast as Kingsley Marshall, a man with many enemies; he is a Jamaican born, South London bred criminal kingpin with his fingers in the worlds of boxing and gambling. Deborah Ayorinde (THEM, Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue) will play the role of Joy Marshall, Kingsley Marshall’s wife who is trying to build her own empire. Charles Babalola (The Outlaws, Black Mirror) has been cast in the role of Ezekiel ‘Zeek’ Marshall, the brash and unpredictable son of Kingsley Marshall.

Anita-Joy Uwajeh (Vampire Academy, Atlanta) will play Cebella ‘Cece’ Marshall, the highly intelligent, business-savvy daughter of Kingsley Marshall, who runs the Marshalls’ gambling operation. Tahirah Sharif (The Haunting of Bly Manor, The Tower) will play Kim Harper, a confident ring card girl entrenched in the London boxing world who befriends Duke upon his return to London. Tyler Conti (The Gentleman, Tell Me Everything) will play Justin ‘Jay’ Hall, Duke’s best friend whose life has hit the skids in Duke’s absence. Duke’s return is a chance for Jay to rekindle their friendship, make amends and start anew. Richard Pepple (The Hack, Gangs of London) will play Gary ‘Gazzer’ Kilroy, Duke’s estranged father who runs a community boxing gym in Streatham, London where he trains amateur fighters.

Curtis ‘50 Cent’ Jackson is executive producer through his G-Unit Film & Television, along with Francis Hopkinson (Wallander, Bancroft) and Kate Leadbetter (Woman in White, Catherine the Great) of Expanded Media who also produce. Damione Macedon (Power, BMF, Genius: MLK/X) and Raphael Jackson Jr. (Power, BMF, Genius: MLK/X) are showrunners, executive producers and writers.

Daniel Fajemisin-Duncan and Marlon Smith serve as executive producers and writers. The series was secured for Sky by Facundo Bailez, Head of Acquisitions, and Rachel McCartney, Acquisitions Manager.

Fightland will air later this year on Sky and streaming service NOW in the UK and Ireland.

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