Peter Hoar, the Emmy-nominated director celebrated for his poignant work on The Last of Us—particularly the acclaimed episode "Long, Long Time"—is set to helm a major reboot of the iconic British sci-fi series Blake’s 7. The project, being developed under Hoar’s newly established production company Multitude Productions, marks a bold return to one of British television’s most enduring and revolutionary sci-fi franchises.
Joining Hoar in this ambitious venture are Jason Haigh-Ellery, a seasoned West End producer known for his work in theater and high-end drama, and Matthew Bouch, executive producer of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. Together, they form a formidable creative team aiming to honor the original series’ revolutionary spirit while reimagining it for a modern audience.
The original Blake’s 7, created by Terry Nation—the visionary behind Doctor Who’s Daleks—aired on the BBC between 1978 and 1981, spanning four seasons. It followed Roj Blake (portrayed by Gareth Thomas), a political dissident who leads a ragtag crew of rebels aboard the spaceship Liberator in a desperate fight against the authoritarian Terran Federation, a galactic regime that dominates Earth and its many colonies. With its bleak tone, moral ambiguity, and gritty realism, the series stood out in an era dominated by more idealistic space operas.
Hoar has drawn direct artistic parallels between the reboot and the critically lauded Andor, the Star Wars prequel series that redefined what a space drama could be. In a statement, Hoar praised Andor for its integrity, wit, and sophistication—qualities he aims to emulate in the new Blake’s 7. He emphasized that the reboot won’t rely on blockbuster budgets, but rather on the kind of storytelling that thrives on emotional truth and narrative daring.
“Blake’s 7 was legendary because it was given the Softly, Softly timeslot—originally meant for police dramas with a budget designed for one large set and a handful of location shoots,” Hoar said. “At the time, it felt like it mattered. Those shows seeped into me. I could see they were strapped for cash, but I learned to overlook the wobbling sets and just enjoy the journey.”
This reverence for the original’s scrappy, authentic roots suggests the reboot will prioritize character-driven drama, political intrigue, and existential stakes over spectacle. Expect a darker, more introspective tone that reflects today’s complex global and ethical landscapes.
Funding for the reboot is expected to come from a mix of American streaming platforms (like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, or Netflix) and European production houses, ensuring a strong international footprint. The team is actively pitching the series to buyers, with BBC identified as a dream home—especially given the original’s 45-year legacy on the network.
While no official release date has been set, fans are hopeful the series could premiere as early as 2027, potentially aligning with the 50th anniversary of the original series’ debut.
With Peter Hoar at the helm and a creative team committed to honoring the soul of the original, the new Blake’s 7 has the potential to become not just a revival—but a modern classic in its own right.
