Prime Video is developing the first-ever authorized scripted series on the life of global icon and boxing legend Muhammad Ali. The upcoming series, titled The Greatest, is currently in the works, with Ben Watkins attached as showrunner and executive producer. The show has already been ordered to series, and it’s currently in the works from Amazon MGM Studios, Outlier Society, Roc Nation, Blue Monday Productions, Authentic Studios, Polygram Entertainment, and Grace.
According to Prime Video’s official press release, the project is being granted unprecedented access to Ali’s estate. It’s also some got A-list talent attached to it. Outlier Society’s Michael B. Jordan is producing the series, along with Ben Watkins’ Blue Monday Productions, Authentic Studios, Roc Nation, Polygram Entertainment, a Universal Music Group partner, and Grace: A Storytelling Company.
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Jaalen Best (All American: Homecoming) will star in the series as the real-life legend, Muhammed Ali. It will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in more than 420 countries and territories worldwide at a later date.
JAALEN BEST STARS AS MUHAMMAD ALI IN THE UPCOMING PRIME VIDEO SERIES THE GREATEST
The upcoming series will explore the life and times of Muhammad Ali. The series is set to explore the moments that took place outside of the spotlight of Ali’s legendary life and career, which will work as “the heartbeat of the story.” However, the amazing victories and defeats throughout Ali’s life that made him a legend both inside and outside of the ring will live in the show. The series will focus on the man who was also a husband, a father, a brother, and a son.
Speaking on the series announcement, Amazon MGM Studios Head of Television Vernon Sanders stated: “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.”
Sanders continued, “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.”
Showrunner Watkins added, “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.”
Ali’s widow, Lonnie Ali, commented on the series, “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.”
Elizabeth Raposo, who is executive producing the show for Outlier Society stated via a press release, “On behalf of the Outlier Society team, I want to thank the incomparable Lonnie Ali for entrusting us to tell the story of one of the greatest humanitarians in the history of the world. It is with humility and gratitude that we will begin the journey of making this wonderful show.”
Executive producer Josh Wakely helped secure the life story rights to Ali and brought the project to Amazon. He stated via a press release, “It’s been a longtime dream to tell Ali’s remarkable life story as a television series, which is the only way to truly capture his greatness, and I’m grateful to Lonnie and the assembled team who also share my passion for getting The Greatest to the screen.”
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Outlier Society President Elizabeth Raposo is also executive producing the show alongside Watkins and Jordan. Ali’s widow, Lonnie Ali, along with Authentic Brand Group’s Corey Salter, Marc Rosen, and Matthew Gross, will serve as executive producers for the project. Additional executive producers will include Roc Nation; Michele Anthony, Boyd Muir, and Co-EP David Blackman for Polygram; and Josh Wakely via his Grace: A Storytelling Company. Stefano Agosto, Executive Vice President of Television at Outlier Society is overseeing the series on behalf of Outlier.Â
Amazon MGM Studios is producing The Greatest in association with Outlier Society, Authentic Studios, Blue Monday Productions, Roc Nation, Polygram Entertainment, and Grace: A Storytelling Company. It will premiere exclusively on Prime Video at a later date to be announced.
About The Greatest
Release Date:Â TBA
Showrunner: Ben Watkins
Executive Producers:Â Ben Watkins, Michael B. Jordan, Elizabeth Raposo, Michele Anthony, Boyd Muir, David Blackman, Josh Wakely, Stefano Agosto, and Lonnie Ali
Production: Amazon MGM Studios, Outlier Society, Roc Nation, Blue Monday Productions, Authentic Studios, Polygram Entertainment, and Grace: A Storytelling Company
Network:Â Prime Video
Cast:Â Jaalen Best
Synopsis: The Greatest intimately explores the incomparable life of Muhammad Ali. 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.
What do you think of the news about The Greatest? Are you excited about Amazon MGM Studios producing a fully authorized series on the life of Muhammad Ali? What do you think of the casting of Jaalen Best? Let us know your thoughts about the news on The Illuminerdi’s social media.
SOURCE: Prime Video
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