Colin Kaepernick is getting into business with the Walt Disney Co.
The former NFL player has signed a first-look production deal with the studio through his Ra Vision Media production company, Disney announced Monday.
The agreement includes scripted and unscripted content exploring race, social injustice and equality issues.
“During this unprecedented time, The Walt Disney Co. remains committed to creating diverse and inclusive content that resonates and matters,” Disney Executive Chairman Bob Iger said in a statement. “Colin’s experience gives him a unique perspective on the intersection of sports, culture and race, which will undoubtedly create compelling stories that will educate, enlighten and entertain, and we look forward to working with him on this important collaboration.”
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The agreement will provide new opportunities for Black and Brown directors and producers, Kaepernick said in a statement. The first project is a docuseries chronicling his life.
“I am excited to announce this historic partnership with Disney across all of its platforms to elevate Black and Brown directors, creators, storytellers, and producers, and to inspire the youth with compelling and authentic perspectives,” Kaepernick stated. “I look forward to sharing the docuseries on my life story, in addition to many other culturally impactful projects we are developing.”
The former San Francisco 49ers quarterback hasn’t played in the NFL since 2016, when he took a knee during the national anthem at games to protest police brutality and racial inequality in the U.S. Other players followed the Super Bowl champion’s lead, sparking a national debate on kneeling.
Kaepernick’s wide-ranging Disney partnership includes content that will be spread across Walt Disney Television, ESPN, Hulu, Pixar, and The Undefeated, according to Disney.
Last month, Netflix announced that it had given the green light to a limited drama series from Ava DuVernay on Kaepernick’s high school years and his road to becoming an activist, titled Colin in Black & White.
