Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee and with that Amazon Prime Video has officially announced “The Greatest,” marking the first authorized scripted series about Muhammad Ali’s life. Jaalen Best will star as Ali, with Ben Watkins, the creator of Amazon’s upcoming Alex Cross series, serving as showrunner. Wow, this a long time coming.
Get this, the series is produced in collaboration with Ali’s estate, “The Greatest” features Ali’s widow, Lonnie Ali, as an executive producer. Yes! Authenticity is key and this blessing by Ali’s widow makes that prospect all the more likely
The series promises to capture not only Ali’s legendary victories and defeats in the ring but also the intimate moments of his life outside the spotlight. According to the official description, “The world remembers an icon, but ‘The Greatest’ is about a man, a husband, a father, a brother, and a son.”
When talking life rights for Ali, they were initially acquired by executive producer Josh Wakely, who then introduced the project to Amazon.
The high profile series is produced by Amazon MGM Studios in collaboration with Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society, Ben 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 holds the rights to Ali’s image.
“Muhammed Ali defined commitment and passion for multiple generations of Americans. His journey is best told in full by a team whose dedication reflects that example,” said Vernon Sanders, head of television at Amazon MGM Studios. “Ali’s is an awe-inspiring story of one of the most significant global figures of the 20th century. We are proud to work with Ben alongside Outlier, Roc Nation, Polygram, Grace, Authentic Brands, Lonnie Ali, and the very talented Jaalen Best, who we know will do a remarkable job bringing ‘The Greatest’ to life for our global Prime Video customers.”
The Executive producer team includes, Lonnie Ali and Wakely, include Watkins; Michael B. Jordan and Outlier Society president Elizabeth Raposo; Authentic Brand Group’s Corey Salter, Marc Rosen, and Matthew Gross; and Polygram’s Michele Anthony and Boyd Muir. David Blackman co-executive produces for Polygram. Stefano Agosto, executive vice president of television at Outlier Society, will oversee the project for Outlier.
If unfamiliar, Jaalen Best, known for his recurring role as Ryan Craig in Season 2 of the CW’s “All American: Homecoming,” has also appeared in episodes of “Magnum P.I.” and “American Horror Stories.” He is represented by Luber Roklin Entertainment and GGSSC.
I don’t know about ya’ll but we are super excited!
The post Amazon Prime Announces Muhammad Ali Series ‘The Greatest’ Starring Jaalen Best, Executive Produced by Lonnie Ali first appeared on The Source.
The post Amazon Prime Announces Muhammad Ali Series ‘The Greatest’ Starring Jaalen Best, Executive Produced by Lonnie Ali appeared first on The Source.