British director Peter Hoar announced that he will direct a fresh version of the cult 1970s sci‑fi series Blake’s 7. He leads Multitude Productions, the company that recently secured the rights to the franchise. Hoar hopes the reboot will bring the classic story to a new generation of viewers.
Why the Original Series Still Matters
The original Blake’s 7 followed Roj Blake as he led escaped prisoners on a stolen starship against a tyrannical Terran Federation. The show mixed dark politics, moral ambiguity, and a constantly shifting cast. Even with a shoestring budget, it inspired later series such as Farscape, Firefly, Battlestar Galactica, and Andor.
A Crew of Misfits
Blake’s crew was far from heroic. They were thieves, murderers, and rebels who often acted in self‑interest. This gritty realism gave the series a unique edge that still resonates with fans today.
Peter Hoar’s Track Record Boosts Confidence
Hoar earned an Emmy nomination for directing the acclaimed “Bill & Frank” episode of HBO’s The Last of Us. He also directed pilots for The Umbrella Academy and Boots on Netflix. His work on Daredevil, Da Vinci’s Demons, Doctor Who, The Defenders, Altered Carbon, and It’s a Sin shows his skill with genre storytelling.
Multitude Productions’ Vision
Multitude Productions, founded by Hoar, Matthew Bouch, and Jason Haigh‑Ellery, has been buying a range of intellectual property. The company plans to develop Blake’s 7 alongside adaptations of novels like The Search for the Dice Man, The Dark Maidens, and Skeleton Creek. They also have a crime series called Scammers and a video‑game‑based sci‑fi show in development for ITV.
What Sets This Reboot Apart
Unlike previous attempts, this project has a clear creative lead and a solid production partner. Hoar says the UK market lacks a strong genre‑based British IP after Doctor Who’s recent slowdown. He believes Blake’s 7 can fill that gap.
Fans can expect a modern visual style, tighter story arcs, and the same moral complexity that made the original a cult favorite. The new series will likely be a co‑production, giving it the budget needed for high‑quality effects.
Looking Ahead
Hoar plans to pitch the series to buyers later this year. If green‑lit, production could start early next year, aiming for a release on a major streaming platform. The involvement of a director known for The Last of Us should attract both sci‑fi fans and mainstream audiences.
Overall, the Blake’s 7 reboot promises to revive a beloved British sci‑fi legacy with fresh talent and contemporary storytelling.
Source: Dark Horizons
