The first-ever authorized scripted series about boxing legend Muhammad Ali has found its lead.
The series titled The Greatest will star Jaalen Best, best known for his role on All American: Homecoming, Amazon Studios announced Thursday, July 11.
According to the official description, The Greatest will explore “the victories and defeats that made Ali a legend, both in and out of the ring.” The series will also focus on moments outside of the spotlight, showcasing the champ as a husband, father, brother, and son.
The drama is produced by Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society and several other companies, in association with Ali’s estate.
“Muhammad 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 statement. “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.”
Related: Taraji P. Henson Cast in Peacock’s Muhammad Ali Limited Series ‘Fight Night’
Ben Watkins from Cross will serve as showrunner and executive producer. Ali’s widow Lonnie Ali is also an executive producer.
Watkins described the project as “humbling and scary, and a dream come true” in a statement.
Lonnie Ali, who was married to Ali for 30 years before his death in 2016, added: “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.”
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 has previously been portrayed in the 1977 film The Greatest, where Ali played himself. Terrence Howard portrayed the champ 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 Ali; and Eli Goree portrayed Cassius Clay in One Night in Miami.
As previously reported, Dexter Darden signed on to play Ali in Peacock’s Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist, a limited series about an armed robbery during a historic Ali fight.
The Prime video series was first announced in 2021. The project is produced by Amazon MGM Studios in association with Outlier Society, Authentic Studios, Blue Monday Productions, Roc Nation, Polygram Entertainment, and Grace: A Storytelling Company.
A premiere date and additional casting details will be announced later.
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