EXCLUSIVE: Longtime collaborators and friends, producer Graham King and actor Ray Winstone, are tapping into their East End roots for It’s a F*cking Liberty, a decades-spanning crime drama series currently in the works.
King will executive produce for his GK Films banner alongside Hayley King. Winstone will also executive produce and may appear on the series, which will be written by Paul Tomalin (Shameless, Bodies).
It’s a F*cking Liberty is described as an epic crime family saga that tears through sixty years of London’s East End gangland history. The series is a turbulent rollercoaster following the story of a fierce matriarch, rise to power in the 1970s through the murderous betrayals of an underworld/criminal network of bent cops, and scheming politicians– diving into numerous subplots spanning the post WWII era, the mainland IRA’s bombing campaigns, and 21st century repercussions.
This marks Graham King and Winstone’s first television collaboration. Winstone previously starred in several movies produced by King, including the Beast Picture Oscar winner The Departed, Hugo, Rango and London Boulevard.
“For years, Graham and I have wanted to collaborate on something that truly captures the heart of London,” Winstone said. “Being both born and bred, we know the real deal. With my experiences and stories in this world, and our full trust in Paul’s writing, we’re finally bringing that authenticity to the screen, showing the world the London we grew up in and still exists today.”
It’s a F*cking Liberty is a culmination of years Graham King and Winstone had spent discussing the idea of a grounded and gripping deep-dive TV series that recreates personal never-before-told stories about London’s gangland history.
“I am thrilled to be collaborating with my long-time friend, Ray Winstone. Ray’s talent and experience are invaluable, and together, we’re committed to delivering a gripping portrayal of London’s gritty reality,” Graham King said. “Growing up, I was always drawn to films like Get Carter and The Long Good Friday. Being able to bring an authentic perspective of London to the screen in a similar vein is an incredible opportunity.”
King’s GK Films’ projects have been nominated for 71 Academy Awards. They include 2018’s Bohemian Rhapsody, which earned star Rami Malek an Oscar for his portrayal of Freddy Mercury, as well as Martin Scorsese’s crime drama The Departed, World War Z, Argo and Tomb Raider. Up next, GK Films is producing the Michael Jackson biopic Michael and is in development on the story of the Bee Gees.
“As a lifelong fan of the gangster genre, I’m thrilled to be part of this team that will bring stories of London’s gangland history to life,” Hayley King said. “Our show’s unique vision aims to honor London’s legacy while infusing fresh energy and a contemporary perspective of the genre.”
Winstone is returning for Season 2 of Guy Ritchie’s Netflix series The Gentlemen, reprising his recurring role as Bobby Glass. Winner of a Best Actor International Emmy Award for his titular role in ITV’s Vincent, Winstone most recently appeared in Netflix’s Damsel and British indie A Bit of Light.
Tomalin created, wrote and executive produced Netflix’s graphic novel adaptation of Bodies, starring Stephen Graham. His TV credits also include No Offence and The Frankenstein Chronicles.
Graham King is repped by Ziffren Brittenham. Winstone is repped by Michael Wigs at Modern Collective. Tomalin is repped by Avalon, CAA and the Agency.
