Steven Knight explains how A Thousand Blows season 2 is most different from season 1 – and whether it could continue

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I absolutely loved “A Thousand Blows” when it first came out on Disney+ – it’s a fantastic boxing drama set in the past. And the best part? They filmed the second season right after the first, so we don’t have to wait long to see what happens next!

I was immediately drawn in by how much the characters have changed in the new season. It’s been a year since we last saw Hezekiah, played brilliantly by Malachi Kirby, and he’s really a broken version of his former self. Then there’s Sugar, portrayed by Stephen Graham – it’s heartbreaking to see him so isolated and struggling with alcohol, completely cut off from his family. Just when you think things couldn’t get more intense, Erin Doherty’s Mary makes a dramatic return, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Season two follows Mary as she tries to reunite the Forty Elephants and regain her position as their leader. She pulls Sugar out of his haze, realizing she still needs his help, and unexpectedly teams up with Hezekiah to finally defeat Indigo Jeremy. Mary always has a scheme in motion, and this one is her most dangerous yet.

Before the new season begins, we had a special video interview with the show’s creator, Steven Knight, as part of our series, The TopMob Writers’ Room, where we explore the minds of screenwriters.

When asked about what to expect in season 2, Knight explained that the first season focused on introducing the characters and making viewers care about them, which they seemed to have achieved based on the fantastic response. He anticipates season 2 will be able to build on that foundation.

I’ve noticed that once you really connect with the characters, the story can really open up. It feels like then the writers have more freedom to explore those characters and their stories in a richer, more detailed way.

Knight explained that he wanted to challenge the characters by putting them in difficult situations – something that happens throughout the show. He also decided to start the series by separating them, then showing how they inevitably find their way back to each other, as their strong connection naturally draws them together.

I had a blast watching these characters just be themselves, but I especially loved when the movie surprised me with where they’d go. It wasn’t predictable, and that’s always a huge plus for me.

They also asked me what’s going on with all the changes at the top, and if it means they’re planning for more seasons. I was really hoping for a hint, and Knight just smiled and said, “Always looking to the future, yeah!” It’s not a definite yes, but it definitely gives me hope!

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In a discussion for The TopMob Writers’ Room, Knight also shared insights about shows and projects like Peaky Blinders, SAS Rogue Heroes, and House of Guinness.

He shared a few subtle clues about the next James Bond movie, which Denis Villeneuve will direct and for which he’s writing the screenplay.

You can watch the full interview with Steven Knight from The TopMob Writers’ Room starting Friday, January 9th.

Season 2 of A Thousand Blows will be available on Disney+ starting Friday, January 9th, 2026. You can subscribe to Disney+ for as little as £5.99 per month.

Don’t miss Add A Thousand Blows! Add it to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download the app now for daily TV recommendations and exclusive content.

Authors

James HibbsDrama Writer

James Hibbs writes about TV dramas for TopMob, covering shows on streaming services and traditional channels. Before becoming a writer, he worked in public relations, first at a business-to-business agency and then at Fremantle, a major international TV production company. He has a Bachelor’s degree in English and Theatre Studies, and a Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.

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2026-01-09 09:35