Sky has released the official trailer for Fightland, a new revenge drama coming this August to Sky and streaming service NOW. Set in the world of British boxing, the series follows Duke Kilroy (Howard Charles), a British-born boxer whose life changes on the night he becomes world heavyweight champion. After a violent assault leaves his brother Calvin dead, Duke’s reaction costs him eight years in a U.S. prison.
When he is released, Duke returns home looking for revenge against the man he believes set him up: criminal kingpin and former promoter Kingsley Marshall (Nicholas Pinnock). But Kingsley has vanished, leaving behind his children and his wife Joy (Deborah Ayorinde), who also happens to be the love of Duke’s life. As Duke tries to infiltrate Kingsley’s empire from within, he is pulled into a dangerous world of organised crime, London’s drug market and old loyalties that refuse to stay buried.
Alongside Charles, Pinnock and Ayorinde, Fightland stars Anita-Joy Uwajeh as Cebella “Cece” Marshall, Charles Babalola as Ezekiel “Zeek” Marshall, Tahirah Sharif as Kim Harper, Tyler Conti as Justin “Jay” Hall and Richard Pepple as Gary “Gazzer” Kilroy.
The series marks Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s first internationally produced show through G-Unit Film & Television. He executive produces alongside Francis Hopkinson and Kate Leadbetter of Expanded Media, with Daniel Fajemisin-Duncan and Marlon Smith creating the series. Damione Macedon and Raphael Jackson Jr. serve as showrunners, while Otto Bathurst directs and executive produces the first two episodes.
Fightland was secured for Sky as part of its ongoing partnership with STARZ.
For CultureCues, Fightland has a clear hook. The British boxing setting gives the series a strong world to step into, while the revenge story and Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s involvement add to the appeal. The trailer also gives Howard Charles plenty to work with as Duke Kilroy. We are always here for a gritty Sky drama, and this one is firmly on our watchlist. Consider us ringside.
Fightland comes to Sky and NOW this August.
Nikki Murray is a UK-based writer, screenwriter and founder & editor of CultureCues, covering film, television, music and pop culture. Her work focuses on storytelling and the moments shaping modern entertainment.