Omari Hardwick and Dana Gourrier have signed on for roles as Muhammad Ali’s parents in Amazon’s upcoming limited series The Greatest.
Hardwick will play the legendary boxer’s father, Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr., and Gourrier will portray his mother, Odessa Grady Clay.
Hardwick is best known to audiences for playing Ghost on the crime series Power. Gourrier most recently had a role as Yasmine Thomas on the supernatural drama Evil.
The two join Jaalen Best (All American: Homecoming), who was cast in the title role last summer.
Related: Muhammad Ali Scripted Series ‘The Greatest’ Moves Forward at Amazon
The Greatest is the first scripted series authorized by Muhammad Ali’s estate. The show will explore the global sports icon’s victories and defeats, both in and out of the ring, according to the official description.
“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,” Vernon Sanders, head of television at Amazon MGM Studios, said in a previous statement.
The drama is produced by Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society and several other companies, in association with Ali’s estate.
Ben Watkins (Cross) serves as showrunner and executive producer. Lonnie Ali, the widow of the late legend, is also an executive producer.
Nicknamed “The Greatest,” Ali is considered one of the most significant sports figures of the 20th century and is often regarded as the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time.
He’s been portrayed in several projects, including by Terrence Howard in the TV movie King of the World. David Ramsey played him in the TV movie Ali: An American Hero, Will Smith played the iconic boxer in the film Ali, and Eli Goree portrayed Cassius Clay in One Night in Miami.
This latest project was first announced in 2021. A premiere date on Prime Video and additional casting details will be announced later.
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