Starz Unveils Cast of Boxing Drama ‘Fightland’ From Producer 50 Cent

Starz has tapped actors from the hit crime shows Top Boy and Marcella to lead the cast of London-set drama Fightland, from executive producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson.

On Thursday, Sept. 18, the network announced casting details for the upcoming series about a formerly incarcerated champion fighter who returns to London seeking revenge on the crime family he thinks betrayed him.

Howard Charles leads the cast as former heavyweight world champion “Maduka ‘Duke’ Kilroy.” The actor is best known for his roles in the British crime shows Top Boy and Whitstable Pearl.

Nicholas Pinnock takes on the role of “Kingsley Marshall,” a Jamaican born South London criminal kingpin involved in the worlds of boxing and gambling. Fans may recognize Pinnock for his roles on ABC’s For Life and the award-winning British crime drama Marcella.

Deborah Ayorinde plays “Joy Marshall,” Kingsley Marshall’s wife who is determined to build an empire of her own. The actress previously had roles in Them and Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue.

[Charles, Pinnock and Ayorinde are shown L-R in the image above]

Related: Starz’s ‘Power: Origins’ Casts Young Tommy and Ghost Roles

Production is currently underway in London, with BAFTA-Award winner Otto Bathurst (Peaky Blinders and Black Mirror) directing the first two episodes.

Sebastain Thiel (Supacell and Dreaming Whilst Black) has been confirmed to direct the rest of the first season.

According to the official description, the series tells a “gripping story of redemption, betrayal, and brutal ambition in and out of the ring.”

The cast additionally includes Charles Babalola, Anita-Joy Uwajeh, Tahirah Sharif, Tyler Conti, and Richard Pepple.

Babalola has been cast in the role of “Ezekiel ‘Zeek’ Marshall,” the brash and unpredictable son of Kingsley Marshall.

Uwajeh plays “Cebella ‘Cece’ Marshall,” the highly intelligent, business-savvy daughter of Kingsley Marshall, who runs the Marshalls’ gambling operation.

Sharif portrays “Kim Harper,” a confident ring card girl entrenched in the London boxing world who befriends Duke upon his return to London.

Conti will play “Justin ‘Jay’ Hall,” Duke’s best friend whose life has hit the skids in Duke’s absence.

Pepple portrays “Gary ‘Gazzer’ Kilroy,” Duke’s estranged father who runs a community boxing gym in Streatham, London where he trains amateur fighters.

50 Cent executive produces through his G-Unit Film & Television, along with Francis Hopkinson and Kate Leadbetter.

“Fightland marks my first internationally produced show through my G-Unit Film & Television,” 50 Cent previously said in a statement. “I anticipate this to be more successful than anything I’ve done before — boxing’s raw stakes are gonna take it to another level.”

Power and BMF alums Damione Macedon and Raphael Jackson Jr. serve as showrunners, executive producers and writers. Daniel Fajemisin-Duncan and Marlon Smith are also executive producers and writers.

A premiere date for the series will be announced later.