Taylor ArdreyUSA TODAY
July 30, 2026, 3:50 p.m. ET
In “Fightland,” Duke (Howard Charles) has to roll with the punches, even when he’s faced with major blows – some even deadly.
Set in the UK, “Fightland” is a new original high-stakes crime drama, executive produced by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, coming to Starz this week. The show follows heavyweight champion Duke, who was at the top of the world when his life suddenly flipped upside down.
Now with a heavy heart and resentment, he turns to London’s criminal underbelly to get revenge. The series touches on the flashy world of boxing, but dives deeper into Duke’s internal compass.
In an interview with USA TODAY, 50 Cent says he connected with the survival themes in the story and likened Charles’ Duke character to real-life acclaimed fighters.
“I understand the temperament of a lot of fighters. The way that it is portrayed by Howard in this project, I think it’s so authentic…they have a rougher edge,” 50 Cent said. “If Mike Tyson wasn’t Mike Tyson – he said he would’ve been a criminal. When you get a chance to see the tones of the show, you’ll see how that connects and relates to the characters.”
Here’s what we know about “Fightland.”
When does ‘Fightland’ come out?
“Fightland” premieres Friday, July 31, on the Starz app and the network’s streaming and on-demand platforms.
‘Fightland’ star Howard Charles on playing Duke
Charles told USA TODAY that Duke’s journey will connect with audiences in a unique way.
“He’s an elite-level boxer whose life collapses on the very same night he wins the championship,” he said. “We’d be able to relate to what it’s like to lose ourselves directly or have something taken away from us or to want revenge.”
He gave insight into his process of stepping into the role, calling it “intense.” He continued, “The heavy lifting was emotionally. Every character invites you to offer them something different and demands certain things from you. Duke, from the outset, it was clear I had to go further and deeper into the darkest parts of the human heart.”
Watch ‘Fightland’ Trailer
‘Fightland’ cast
- Howard Charles as Duke Kilroy
- Nicholas Pinnock as Kingsley Marshall
- Deborah Ayorinde as Joy Marshall
- Anita-Joy Uwajeh as Cebella “Cece” Marshall
- Charles Babalola as Ezekiel “Zeek” Marshall
- Tahirah Sharif as Kim Harper
- Tyler Conti asJustin “Jay” Hall
- Richard Pepple as Gary “Gazzer” Kilroy
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at tardrey@usatodayco.com.
