Disney+ Signs New First-Look Deal With Stephen Graham & Hannah Walters’ Matriarch Productions
Following the release of the second season of the hit British original series, “A Thousand Blows” on Disney+ and Hulu, Disney has announced that it has signed a new two-year first-look deal with Matriarch Productions, which is the production company founded by the award-winning actors and producers Stephen Graham (“A Thousand Blows”, “Deliver Me From Nowhere” “Adolescence”) and Hannah Walters (“A Thousand Blows”, “Boiling Point”, “Adolescence”).
Building on the ambitious Disney+ local original production slate in the UK, the two-year deal will span original scripted and unscripted series, bringing compelling British stories to audiences around the world.
Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters, Founders, Matriarch Productions, said in a statement:
“We are beyond thrilled to be working with Disney+ and through this creative partnership will strive to produce inspiring, entertaining and thought-provoking storytelling.”
Angela Jain, Head of Content, Disney+ EMEA, commented:
“Stephen and Hannah have proven they know how to tell bold, impactful stories and our vision also aligns with them around providing a platform for underrepresented voices in the UK. Distinctive, local stories that entertain and resonate with audiences are what Disney+ are committed to championing, making Matriarch the perfect partners as we look to evolve our production slate in the UK. This is a dream, and we’re thrilled to continue working with them.”
Lee Mason, VP, Scripted, Disney+ EMEA, added
“Stephen Graham and Hannah Walters are storytellers with real purpose — creative, fearless, and deeply committed to discovering, nurturing, and championing new talent. I’m genuinely excited to keep working with them, and to support the kind of ambitious, distinctive work they want to put into the world with Disney+.
Roger’s Take: “A Thousand Blows” has been a big hit for Disney, and following the recent success of “Adolescence” on Netflix, it’s not a huge surprise to see Disney trying to lock down the creative team to see what else they can create for future shows for Disney+ and Hulu.
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