Blake's 7 Returns: Sci-Fi Classic Rebooted by Top UK Creators
Beloved British sci-fi series Blake's 7 is set for a fresh reboot, with acclaimed director Peter Hoar and producer Matthew Bouch at the helm, promising a new take for modern audiences.
After more than four decades, the iconic British science fiction series Blake's 7 is making a comeback, this time with a new creative team at the wheel. Peter Hoar, known for his work on The Last of Us, is joining forces with Matthew Bouch, who produced The Witcher, to breathe new life into the much-loved show. The original series, which aired from 1978 to 1981, quickly became a cult favourite, following a ragtag group of rebels as they took on the oppressive Terran Federation in a galaxy not so far away.
Blake's 7 was often seen as the UK's answer to Star Trek, but with a distinctly British flavour and a shoestring budget that became part of its charm. The story began with Roj Blake, played by Gareth Thomas, leading the charge aboard the Liberator. As the series progressed, Paul Darrow's Kerr Avon, a sharp-witted computer whiz, stepped into the spotlight for the later seasons. The show was the brainchild of Terry Nation, who also created the Daleks for Doctor Who, cementing his place in sci-fi history.
Behind the Scenes: New Faces, Old Spirit
Peter Hoar reflected on the original's unique appeal, saying,
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 compartmentalise and enjoy the ride knowing that the sets wobbled.
Hoar, whose credits also include Daredevil, Iron Fist, and The Umbrella Academy, is set to direct every episode of the reboot. Jason Haigh-Ellery will join as a producer, with Lizzie Worsdell from Multitude stepping in as executive producer. The team is keen to pitch the new version to networks in the near future.
Why Now? Filling a Genre Gap
Matthew Bouch pointed out that the timing couldn't be better for a revival.
We're driven by our passions but also seeing that there is a gap in the market in the UK – particularly with the well-publicised dropping off of Doctor Who – for genre-based British IP,
he explained. Bouch reminisced about growing up in the '70s and '80s, when there was a wealth of genre programming on telly, from Blake's 7 to the Narnia adaptations. The team is looking to blend that classic British low-budget sensibility with the demands of today's international market.
With the US industry tightening its belt, Bouch reckons it's time to find smarter, more economical ways to make quality genre television. The hope is that this new take on Blake's 7 will strike a chord with both nostalgic fans and a new generation of viewers, all while keeping that original rebellious spirit alive.