The best (All Americans: Homecoming, Magnum PI, American Horror Stories) has signed on to star in the Amazon series The biggestthe first authorized scripted series about the life of Muhammed Ali. Best will play the iconic boxer and activist, and Ben Watkinscreator of Amazon’s upcoming Alex Cross series, has been tapped as showrunner.
The biggest is produced in collaboration with Ali’s estate, while his widow Lonnie Ali serves as executive producer.
The official description for the series reads: “The incredible victories and losses that made Ali a legend, both inside and outside the ring, have been well documented, and while those momentous events will live on in ‘The Greatest,’ the heartbeat of the story is fueled by all the moments that took place outside the spotlight. The world remembers an icon, but ‘The Greatest’ is about a man, a husband, a father, a brother and a son.”
Ali’s life rights were originally acquired by executive producer Josh Wakely, who brought the project to Amazon. Amazon MGM Studios produces the series in association with Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society; Watkins’ Blue Monday Productions; Jay-Z’s Roc Nation; Universal Music Group’s Polygram Entertainment; Wakely’s Grace: A Storytelling Company; and Authentic Studios, which owns the rights to Ali’s likeness.
Vernon Sanders, head of television at Amazon MGM Studios, said of the project:
“Muhammed Ali defined commitment and passion for generations of Americans. His journey is best told in its entirety by a team whose dedication reflects that example.
“Ali’s is a powerful story of one of the most significant global figures of the 20th century. We are proud to be working with Ben alongside Outlier, Roc Nation, Polygram, Grace, Authentic Brands, Lonnie Ali and the talented Jaalen Best, who we know will do an extraordinary job in bringing ‘The Greatest’ to life for our global Prime Video customers.”
Watkins said:
“To have the honor of telling the story of my most beloved hero, Muhammad Ali, is humbling and scary, and a dream come true. I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride, responsibility and, most of all, gratitude.”
Lonnie Ali added:
“I’m thrilled to produce ‘The Greatest’ with Ben Watkins, who has captured the essence and nuance of Muhammad. With Jaalen Best, we’ve discovered a soulful gem. He’s such a talented young man who not only embodies Muhammad, but exudes his resilience, courage, charisma and confidence.”
via: Variety
by Jessica Fisher
Source: Geek Tyrant
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