Stephen Graham stars in Walk Like a Panther airing this evening on Channel 4, as the 2018 comedy brings a lively mix of nostalgia and laughs to night-time viewers. Set for a late-night broadcast at 1am, the film offers a quirky look into the world of ’80s wrestling and small-town camaraderie, promising both familiar faces and spirited performances.
Stephen Graham’s Versatile Career and Recent Successes
Widely recognised for his remarkable roles in recent hits like Adolescence and A Thousand Blows, Stephen Graham continues to showcase his impressive acting range. His role in Walk Like a Panther gives audiences a chance to see his comedic talents, distinguishing itself from his more intense projects on Netflix and other platforms.
In the film, Graham takes on the character of Mark Bolton, a retired wrestler from the 1980s who faces the imminent closure of his beloved local pub. The plot follows Mark and his friends as they reunite for one final wrestling showcase, bringing energy and determination to protect their cherished gathering place. The story highlights themes of friendship and community resilience, set against a backdrop infused with humor and nostalgia.
A Star-Studded and Familiar British Cast
Walk Like a Panther brings together a host of renowned British talent alongside Stephen Graham. Jill Halfpenny, Neil Fitzmaurice—recognised by many from Peep Show—the late Julian Sands, and Jason Flemyng, who previously worked with Graham in Boiling Point, all play pivotal roles in the ensemble comedy. The movie also features performances from Michael Socha, Robbie Gee, Sue Johnston, Guz Khan, and Hannah Walters, who appears opposite Graham both on screen and as his wife in real life.
This diverse casting helps create a sense of authenticity within the small-town setting, drawing on the varied experiences and backgrounds of the characters to drive the narrative forward. With the involvement of production talent known for The Full Monty, expectations for sharp British wit and working-class heart are firmly met.
Initial Reception and Recent Developments
Upon its initial 2018 release, Walk Like a Panther did not receive enthusiastic critical acclaim, earning only an 8 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes. Despite this mixed reception, the film’s appeal lies in its charm, familiar faces, and energetic soundtrack, making it worthy of a second look for audiences seeking a light-hearted, late-night viewing experience.
Most recently, Stephen Graham has been making headlines for his casting in Apple TV+’s Lars Kepler thriller series. Originally, Tom Hardy was announced in the main role, but Graham has since taken over, set to appear alongside Liev Schreiber and Zazie Beetz. This marks a notable shift, as Graham steps into the darker character of a serial killer, expanding his repertoire of dramatic and complex roles.
The Enduring Appeal of Graham and Hopes for the Future
Graham’s creative projects continue to attract public interest, especially after the widely praised release of Adolescence, co-written by Graham and Jack Thorne. This collaboration sparked speculation about the future of the Netflix series, and whether it could become an anthology. In an interview with Variety, Graham remarked,
let’s see how the figures are
—Stephen Graham, Actor.
He went on to add,
there’s the possibility of developing another story
—Stephen Graham, Actor.
Hannah Walters, who not only shares the screen with Graham but also serves as executive producer, addressed potential directions for the series, saying a prequel is not on the horizon but that there is still significant potential in exploring new narratives and human experiences.
Yeah, everything’s looking good. Everyone’s happy, shall we say?
—Hannah Walters, Executive Producer.
What to Expect from the Channel 4 Broadcast
Walk Like a Panther airs on Channel 4 tonight at 1am, offering a humorous portrait of friendship, small-town struggles, and resilience. With appearances by actors such as Sue Johnston, Neil Fitzmaurice, and Michael Socha, and music that captures the era’s spirit, the film is poised to deliver late-night entertainment. For fans of British cinema or anyone eager to see Stephen Graham in a comedic role, this Channel 4 screening provides the perfect opportunity to rediscover a hidden comedy gem and enjoy familiar faces in a story about fighting for what matters most.
