Production has commenced on Sky Original feature-length documentary HITMAN: THE RICKY HATTON STORY (w/t), exploring the incredible story of one of the world’s greatest living fighters.
HITMAN: THE RICKY HATTON STORY (w/t) will chart Hatton’s incredible journey – the celebratory highs and the severe lows – from Manchester council estate, to the bright lights of Las Vegas. Addressing contemporary themes such as class, money and celebrity, along with identity and mental health, HITMAN: THE RICKY HATTON STORY (w/t) is both a celebration and a cautionary tale that stretches far beyond the boxing ring; a rollercoaster of success and excess, regret, and redemption. Compelling, emotional and inspiring, the film will be an authentic portrait of a unique British hero.
The film is being produced with the blessing of Hatton, who will share his unseen, personal archive and will be contributing alongside his family, friends, fans and opponents.
HITMAN is directed by BAFTA and Royal Television Society-nominated Dan Dewsbury (Louis Theroux’s Forbidden America, Ian Wright: Home Truths) and produced by Noah Media Group’s John McKenna (14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible, Finding Jack Charlton, Arsène Wenger: Invincible).
Noah Media Group, the award-winning production company behind recent global Netflix hit, 14 Peaks: Nothing is Impossible, and Sky Studios, Sky’s original programming arm across Europe, have entered the ring to co-produce HITMAN: THE RICKY HATTON STORY (w/t) as part of a development and production agreement between the companies. The film has been commissioned by Poppy Dixon, Sky’s Director of Documentaries and Factual, and Hayley Reynolds, Commissioning Editor, and is set to air on Sky Documentaries next year.
Noah Media Group and Sky Studios’ partnership on HITMAN: THE RICKY HATTON STORY (w/t) forms part of a multi-title development deal that was announced last year. In November 2021, the two companies commenced production on their first collaboration under this deal; an upcoming feature documentary centred around the captivating and tragic story of Formula One legends, Gilles Villeneuve & Didier Pironi, in collaboration with Sky Italia. These projects are expected to target Sky’s factual channels across Europe – and viewers around the world, with Sky’s sister company NBCUniversal taking a first-look option for global distribution.
Ricky Hatton said of today’s news: “I am absolutely thrilled to be partnering with Noah Media Group and Sky to make the definitive story of my life and career. To be working closely with Sky once again is a real pleasure for me; they were there from the very beginning of my professional boxing career and together, we really helped to create something special in British sport. My hope is that this film will be authentic and entertaining, but ultimately I want my fans and the public to really love it.”
Producer & Noah CEO John McKenna added: “We are delighted to be in production with Ricky Hatton and with Sky Documentaries in the UK and Sky Studios on this powerful feature documentary. Already, Ricky is bringing incredible honesty and access to his life and I am certain this will be a film that delivers what we always strive for: a fascinating human story, rooted in sport, with themes that reach far beyond.”
Poppy Dixon, Sky’s Director of Documentaries and Factual said: “Ricky Hatton is a unique British hero, whose charm and character captivated the country throughout his boxing career. His powerful personal story makes this film about so much more than just boxing, and with the expertise of Noah Media Group producing the film with Sky Studios, this definitive portrait will join the ranks of high-end feature documentaries on the channel.”
Hatton is set to return to the ring for an exhibition fight against Mexican icon Marco Antonio, in front of his home crowd of Manchester, on November 12th; for the former light-welterweight world champion, it will be 10 years after he announced his retirement from boxing.
HITMAN: THE RICKY HATTON STORY (w/t) will be released internationally in early 2023 and is being distributed by NBCUniversal Global Distribution on behalf of Sky Studios.
