Disney+ has struck a two-year first-look deal out of the U.K. with Matriarch Productions, founded by 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 U.K., the two-year deal will span original scripted and unscripted series, bringing compelling British stories to audiences around the world,” the company said.
Matriarch Productions, along with The Story Collective and Water & Power Productions, are behind the Hulu original series A Thousand Blows, whose second season is now available to stream on Disney+.
Said Graham and Walters, the founders of Matriarch: “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 (Europe, Middle East and Africa), said: “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 U.K. 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 U.K. This is a dream, and we’re thrilled to continue working with them.”
Added Lee Mason, vp, scripted, Disney+ EMEA: “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+.”
