Cult Classic Sci-Fi Series Blake’s 7 Set for Reboot by Director of The Last of Us and Doctor Who After 45 Years

The director of The Last of Us, Peter Hoar, is collaborating with Matthew Bouch, known for his work on The Witcher, to revive the iconic BBC sci-fi series Blake’s 7.

Originally airing from 1978 to 1981, this cult classic served as the UK’s answer to Star Trek, following a crew of outlaws as they rebelled against the oppressive Terran Federation. The series began with Roj Blake, played by Gareth Thomas, leading the charge aboard the Liberator, before the focus shifted to Paul Darrow’s character, Kerr Avon, in the later seasons. Created by Terry Nation, who is also famous for the Daleks from Doctor Who, Blake’s 7 has left a lasting legacy.

Hoar shared his thoughts on the show’s significance, noting, “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 meant 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.”

Alongside Hoar and Bouch, Jason Haigh-Ellery will produce the series, with Lizzie Worsdell from Multitude serving as executive producer. Hoar is set to direct each episode and plans to pitch the reboot soon.

Bouch emphasized the motivation behind the project, stating, “We’re driven by our passions but also seeing that there is a gap in the market in the UK – particularly with the well-publicized dropping off of Doctor Who – for genre-based British IP.” He reflected on the nostalgia for the rich genre content of the ’70s and ’80s, mentioning Blake’s 7 and the Narnia adaptations, and expressed a desire to merge that British low-budget charm with international markets, especially in light of the current economic challenges in the US entertainment landscape.