Jaalen Best (All American: Homecoming, Magnum P.I., American Horror Stories) has signed on to star in Amazon’s series The Greatest, the first-ever authorized scripted series about the life of Muhammad Ali. Best will play the iconic boxer and activist, and Ben Watkins, creator of Amazon’s upcoming Alex Cross series, is set as showrunner.
The Greatest is being produced in collaboration with Ali’s estate, with his widow Lonnie Ali is serving as executive producer.
The series’ official description reads, “The amazing victories and defeats that made Ali a legend, both in and out of the ring, have been well documented and while those landmark events will live in ‘The Greatest,’ the heartbeat of the story is fueled by all the moments that took place outside of 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 image.
Vernon Sanders, head of television at Amazon MGM Studios, said of the project:
“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.
“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.”
Watkins stated:
“To be trusted with the honor of telling the story of my most cherished 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 be producing ‘The Greatest’ alongside Ben Watkins who captured the essence and nuance of Muhammad. With Jaalen Best, we have uncovered a soulful gem. He is such a talented young man who not only embodies Muhammad, but exudes his resilience, courage, charisma and confidence.”
via: Variety
Jessica Fisher
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