Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight is renowned for gripping audiences with his gritty realism.
From the likes of Taboo to A Thousand Blows, which starred Adolescence star Stephen Graham, the 65-year-old has earned a stellar reputation for himself in the world of television.
It’s no wonder then that after months of behind-the-scenes manoeuvring, Amazon MGM Studios officially selected Knight as its screenwriter for the upcoming James Bond film.
Following reports, this news was officially confirmed by the 007 social media channels, where it was announced: ‘Steven Knight to pen next James Bond film for Amazon MGM Studios.’
The critically acclaimed writer will now be joining Dune director Denis Villeneuve to helm the next film about the masterspy.
It marks a pivotal step for the new era of Bond, as Jacob Elordi, Harris Dickinson, and Tom Holland have all reportedly been put at the top of the studio’s list.
Before Bond fans discover which actor is going to be working with Knight and by taking up the mantle following Daniel Craig’s departure, Metro has taken a look back at several of Knight’s best TV works.
As we rank Peaky Blinders alongside Knight’s other projects by assessing their scores on IMDb, which series do fans think is his greatest tour de force?
7. All the Light We Cannot See
Based on Anthony Doerr’s Pulitzer-winning novel of the same name, All the Light We Cannot See is a beloved World War II book.
Knight’s adaptation on Netflix, starring Poor Things star Mark Ruffalo and Aria Mia Lobert, similarly received some love.
Charting the journey of a blind French girl who delivers secret radio broadcasts in Nazi-occupied France, which are listened to by a German orphan, it is a tale of resistance and bravery as the war rages on.
Commenting on imdB, srgymrat33 said: ‘This was fantastic. I am a huge fan of the book – read it several times.
‘This was a great ADAPTATION- here is the key. It is not exactly the same – it’s not meant to be. The essence of the book was here, it felt true to the original to me.’
However, kunkell argued that it ‘takes a lot of liberties compared to its source material… the most glaring of which is its choice of having everyone speak English. It’s a jarring decision and incredibly inconsistent with its actor’.
All the Light We Cannot See is available to stream on Disney Plus.
6. See
Knight’s recent Apple TV Plus series See seemed to be quite a departure from his usual subject matter.
But starring Aquaman’s Jason Momoa, fans were intrigued by its ecological messaging.
Set in a future where humanity has lost its sense of sight, until twins who can see are born and Mamoa’s warrior chief has to protect them, fans described it as
Writing on IMDb, Rob1331 described it as ‘a very entertaining sci-if series led by Jason Momoa’ and said: ‘I couldn’t stop watching this. Sure some if it is unbelievable but it’s sci-fi, it’s suppose to be.’
However, pejman75 claimed: ‘I enjoyed it all the to the last episode.Almost everyone’s ending could have been better.’
See is available to stream on Apple TV Plus.
5. This Town
Exploring Birmingham, social unrest, the IRA and the Catholic religion, Knight’s This Town is a much more typical project.
Offering a behind-the-scenes look at the Midlands music scene, we see Dante’s (Levi Brown) band take shape.
Paulstephens called it ‘just superb’, adding: ‘There’s a few different stories within the overall story here but all are explored properly.’
Meanwhile, rachelishp said: ‘Beautifully shot, great music, good actors, amazing locations and wardrobe. But it just doesn’t come together.
‘Some parts are rushed while others are lingered on for too long without any real impact, emotional or artistic.
‘It’s an entertaining show but could have been so much more.’
This Town is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
4. A Thousand Blows
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Released a month prior to Adolescence, A Thousand Blows was slightly overshadowed by the success of Graham’s police drama.
But after fans were left wanting more of Graham, many returned to Knight’sboxing drama, which was inspired by a true story.
Following the journey of Hezekiah and Alec, two best friends from Jamaica, both fight for survival in Victorian London’s East End as they come up against Sugar Goodson (Graham), who is a dangerous veteran boxer.
Commenting on the reviewing site, al1-3 said: ‘Absolutely fabulous series that not only gets all the costumes spot on but the dirt and grime of the Victorian streets as well. Attention to detail is amazing.
‘Bring on season 2, I hope it manages to be no less than what’s gone before, never looked forward to a series as I have with this one. My only regret is I wish it had more episodes.’
Supermanfan-13 similarly wrote: ‘I ended up enjoying A Thousand Blows much more than I expected to. It ended up not only meeting my expectations but exceed them.’
A Thousand Blows is available to stream on Disney Plus.
3. SAS: Rogue Heroes
Displaying the formation of the SAS in the Egyptian desert in 1941, this ‘lads’ army’ series on the BBC is adored by fans.
Boasting a star-studded cast, including the likes of Connor Swindells, Jack O’Connell and Alfie Allen, the six-episode seasons are action-packed to say the least.
Stephensaulters-68333 said on IMDb: ‘The characters are all played brilliantly if historically inaccurately. The way they interact with eachother is also very entertaining and has you rooting for this tag tag group from the off.’
SAS: Rogue Heroes is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
2. Taboo
Taboo could perhaps be Knight’s grittiest series as Georgian London bubbles over here as a cauldron of crime, political corruption and sex.
With Tom Hardy starring as James Delaney, a seafaring adventurer, who returns home after the death of his father to find himself at the centre of counter-plots, it’s one of the writer’s best.
Writing on IMDb, Rob1331 said: ‘Taboo is another in a long line of great performances for Hardy. The show is thrilling from start to their are rumours that they plan on making another season. I hope that’s true.’
Clive_JWM also said: ‘Tom Hardy’s “Taboo” is a beautiful slow burn, as the story builds through each episode I was hooked on how Hardy’s character would react to certain situations and was never left disappointed.
Taboo is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
1. Peaky Blinders
Did you really think there would be anything else in the top spot?
Starring Cillian Murphy as the magnetic Tommy Shelby, not much needs to be said about this haunting take on a criminal dynasty.
It’s no wonder there are reviews, such as ruedajuan-46806’s, who said: ‘Peaky Blinders is definitely one of the best series I’ve ever watched. From the very first episode, it grabs you with its unique atmosphere and distinctive style that never loses its essence throughout the entire series. Every episode is a trip back to 1920s England, packed with intrigue, drama, and, of course, a touch of action.’
Kepemepe similarly argued: ‘It’s one of the finest shows to have hit TV. Peaky Blinders is one of those shows that grabs you and doesn’t let go.
‘The combination of gritty drama, incredible performances, and stunning cinematography makes it unforgettable. Cillian Murphy is phenomenal as Tommy Shelby-he’s intense, calculated, and completely magnetic.’
Peaky Blinders is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
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