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The greatest: Amazon Prime Video’s new series on Muhammad Ali
The world of television is about to witness a groundbreaking series that delves into the life of one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century. Amazon Prime Video has greenlit “The Greatest,” the first-ever authorized scripted series about the life of Muhammad Ali. With Jaalen Best set to star as Ali and Ben Watkins, the creator of Amazon’s upcoming Alex Cross series, as the showrunner, this series promises to be a compelling portrayal of the legendary boxer.
A closer look at the man behind the legend
While Muhammad Ali’s victories and defeats in the ring are well-documented, “The Greatest” aims to explore the moments that took place outside the spotlight. The series will delve into Ali’s life as a man, a husband, a father, a brother, and a son. This nuanced portrayal is made possible through the collaboration with Ali’s estate, with his widow Lonnie Ali serving as executive producer.
For more details, you can watch the trailer here: The Greatest Trailer.
The powerhouse behind the production
The series is produced by Amazon MGM Studios 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. This collaboration brings together a diverse and talented team dedicated to telling Ali’s story with the respect and depth it deserves.
Jaalen Best: The rising star
Jaalen Best, known for his role as Ryan Craig in Season 2 of the CW’s “All American: Homecoming,” has been cast as Muhammad Ali. Best has also appeared in episodes of “Magnum P.I.” and “American Horror Stories.” His portrayal of Ali is highly anticipated, with many believing he will bring a unique and soulful interpretation to the role.
For more on Jaalen Best’s previous work, check out the trailer for “All American: Homecoming” here: All American: Homecoming Trailer.
Ben Watkins: The visionary showrunner
Ben Watkins, the showrunner for “The Greatest,” has an impressive resume that includes creating Amazon’s “Hand of God” and writing and producing USA’s “Burn Notice,” Apple TV+’s “Truth Be Told,” and Hulu’s “Wu-Tang: An American Saga.” Watkins’ deep understanding of character-driven narratives makes him the perfect choice to helm this project.
For a glimpse into Watkins’ previous work, watch the trailer for “Hand of God” here: Hand of God Trailer.
The significance of Ali’s story
Muhammad Ali’s story is not just about his achievements in the boxing ring. It is also about his impact as a humanitarian and activist. Ali used his platform to inspire and transform culture, making him a significant global figure. “The Greatest” aims to capture this multifaceted legacy, offering viewers a comprehensive look at Ali’s life.
Reflections from the team
The team behind “The Greatest” has expressed their excitement and gratitude for the opportunity to tell Ali’s story. Vernon Sanders, head of television at Amazon MGM Studios, emphasized the importance of Ali’s journey and the dedication of the team in bringing it to life. Lonnie Ali, executive producer, praised Jaalen Best for embodying Ali’s resilience, courage, charisma, and confidence.
Desiree Perez, CEO of Roc Nation, highlighted Ali’s impact beyond the boxing ring, while Michele Anthony, executive vice president of Universal Music Group, expressed her honor in working on a project that celebrates Ali’s legacy. Josh Wakely, who originally acquired Ali’s life rights, shared his long-time dream of telling Ali’s story as a television series.
A journey worth watching
“The Greatest” is set to be a remarkable series that offers a deep and personal portrait of Muhammad Ali. With a talented cast and crew dedicated to capturing the essence of Ali’s life, this series is sure to resonate with audiences around the world. As we await its release, the anticipation continues to build for what promises to be an unforgettable viewing experience.
For more information and to stay updated on the series, visit the official trailer here: The Greatest Trailer.
“The Greatest” is not just a series about a legendary boxer; it is a story about a man who changed the world. As we prepare to witness this journey on screen, we are reminded of the power of storytelling and its ability to inspire and transform.
