Michael Ealy is the latest addition to the cast of the upcoming Prime Video limited series The Greatest on the life and career of boxing legend Muhammad Ali.
The actor will star in a recurring role as Civil Rights leader Malcolm X, Amazon MGM Studios announced on Wednesday, April 16.
The studio also said Kai Parham signed on to portray Rudy Clay, Muhammad Ali’s brother.
Related: Muhammad Ali Scripted Series ‘The Greatest’ Moves Forward at Amazon
In The Greatest, the first authorized scripted series on Ali’s life, Kai Parham is cast as Rudy Clay, Muhammad Ali’s brother, with Michael Ealy set to recur as Malcolm X. pic.twitter.com/59khryEZXJ
— Amazon MGM Studios (@AmazonMGMStudio) April 16, 2025
The Greatest comes from Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society and several other companies, in association with Ali’s estate.
The project is the first authorized scripted series about the boxing icon’s life.
Jaalen Best (All American: Homecoming) takes on the title role, as previously reported. Omari Hardwick (Power) and Dana Gourrier (Evil) will play Ali’s parents, Cassius Marcellus Clay Sr. and Odessa Grady Clay.
According to the official description, the series will explore “the victories and defeats that made Ali a legend, both in and out of the ring.” The series will also showcase the champ as a husband, father, brother, and son.
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, and has taken years to bring to the screen. Ben Watkins from Cross will serve as showrunner and executive producer. Ali’s widow Lonnie Ali is also an executive producer.
A premiere date on Prime Video will be announced later.
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