Brit broadcaster Sky has got in the ring once more with Starz, this time for the boxing drama “Fightland,” executive produced by Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson.
Sky has joined Starz as co-commission partner on the series, set in the cutthroat, high-stakes world of British boxing, having already teamed with the U.S. network on projects including the period drama “Amadeus” and darkly comic thriller “Sweetpea.” The co-commission deal also includes Sky future first look partnerships on select upcoming series from Starz.
Described as a gripping story of redemption, betrayal, and brutal ambition in and out of the ring, “Fightland” 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.
The 8-episode series — season one of which recently wrapped in London — is slated to air later this year in the U.S. on the Starz app and platform, and will broadcast on Sky and the streaming service NOW in the U.K. and Ireland. Executive-produced by Jackson through his G-Unit Film & Television, it marks Starz’s first wholly owned series.
“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,” said Kathryn Busby, president of original programming, Starz. “‘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.”
Added Katie Keenan, group director of acquisitions for Sky UK and Europe: “‘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.”
Jackson is executive producer, 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.