Key Facts
- ✓ Emmy-nominated director Peter Hoar, celebrated for his work on The Last of Us, is developing a reboot of the cult classic BBC series Blake's 7.
- ✓ The new production will be handled by Multitude Productions, a company Hoar recently co-founded with West End producer Jason Haigh-Ellery and A Good Girl's Guide to Murder executive Matthew Bouch.
- ✓ The original Blake's 7 series, created by Terry Nation, aired for four seasons from 1978 to 1981 and followed a group of rebels fighting a totalitarian regime.
- ✓ The production team plans to seek financial backing from both American streamers and European studios, with hopes of securing a partnership with the BBC.
- ✓ Peter Hoar has drawn creative comparisons between the upcoming reboot and the acclaimed Star Wars series Andor, citing shared themes of integrity and sophistication.
Quick Summary
Emmy-nominated director Peter Hoar is officially reviving a cornerstone of British science fiction. The celebrated filmmaker, renowned for his work on HBO's The Last of Us, is developing a reboot of the cult classic series Blake's 7.
The new project will be produced through Multitude Productions, a recently formed company Hoar launched with industry veterans Jason Haigh-Ellery and Matthew Bouch. While no release date has been set, the production is already generating significant buzz for its ambitious vision and high-profile creative team.
A New Production Powerhouse
The reboot is being spearheaded by Multitude Productions, a new venture founded by Peter Hoar, West End producer Jason Haigh-Ellery, and Matthew Bouch, an executive producer on A Good Girl's Guide to Murder. This collaboration brings together a wealth of experience from theatre, television, and film production.
The team is preparing to shop the project to potential buyers, with a specific goal of securing a home on the BBC, where the original series last aired 45 years ago. However, the production strategy involves casting a wider net for funding.
The reboot is expected to seek financial support from a combination of American streamers and European studios, reflecting the modern landscape of international co-productions for high-profile genre content.
"The Blake’s 7 story is legendary because they were given the [British police show] Softly, Softly slot that was intended for police drama with a budget intended for one big set and a few location shoots. At the time it felt like it meant something. Those shows got into my veins. I could tell they didn’t have money but I was able to compartmentalize and enjoy the ride knowing that the sets wobbled."
— Peter Hoar, Director
Hoar's Creative Vision
Peter Hoar's involvement brings significant creative weight to the project. Following his critically acclaimed direction of the The Last of Us episode "Long, Long Time," Hoar has established a reputation for handling emotionally resonant, character-driven narratives.
He has drawn a direct comparison between Blake's 7 and another modern sci-fi hit, Andor. Hoar believes the two series share a common DNA of "integrity, wit and sophistication," rather than simply relying on budget to achieve their impact.
The Blake’s 7 story is legendary because they were given the [British police show] Softly, Softly slot that was intended for police drama with a budget intended for one big set and a few location shoots. At the time it felt like it meant something. Those shows got into my veins. I could tell they didn’t have money but I was able to compartmentalize and enjoy the ride knowing that the sets wobbled.
The Legacy of Blake's 7
Originally created by Terry Nation, the mind behind Doctor Who's iconic Daleks, Blake's 7 originally aired for four seasons from 1978 to 1981. The series followed the exploits of political dissident Roj Blake, portrayed by Gareth Thomas, as he led a small group of rebels against the totalitarian Terran Federation.
The Federation ruled Earth and its colonized planets, creating a dark, dystopian backdrop for the story. Despite its limited budget, the show developed a passionate cult following for its complex characters and morally ambiguous storytelling.
The series remains a touchstone of British television history, remembered for its bold narrative choices and the enduring popularity of its anti-establishment themes.
Production Timeline
While the project is in active development, audiences will need to be patient. There is currently no official release date for the reboot, as the production is still in its early stages.
Industry speculation suggests that if the project secures the necessary funding and greenlights, viewers might see the new series as early as 2027. This timeline allows for the extensive development, writing, and production phases required for a high-quality sci-fi series.
The involvement of established producers and a director with Hoar's recent track record positions the project favorably in the competitive streaming market.
Looking Ahead
The reboot of Blake's 7 represents a significant moment for classic British sci-fi, bringing a modern sensibility to a beloved property. With Peter Hoar at the helm and a strong production team behind it, the project has the potential to introduce the story of Roj Blake to a new generation of viewers.
As the search for funding and a distribution partner begins, all eyes will be on how this ambitious revival balances the original series' gritty, low-budget charm with the expectations of contemporary audiences.
