*HBO is teaming with NBA All-Star LeBron James and filmmaker Antoine Fuqua for a documentary focusing on boxing icon Muhammad Ali, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The untitled project will combine original footage and re-creations in exploring Ali’s greatest triumphs and comebacks. It will paint an intimate portrait of a man who, against all odds, repeatedly dreamed and achieved the impossible.
James and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill Entertainment will exec produce alongside Fuqua’s Fuqua Films.
“It’s tough to put into words how much it means to me to be a part of this project honoring the legacy and telling the extremely important story of the great Muhammad Ali,” James said. “He transcended sports and used his platform to empower people, which paved the way for all athletes and people of every race and gender that came after him, myself included. It’s important that his story continues for generations to come, and it’s an honor for SpringHill Entertainment and me to be a part of this.”
Fuqua is also directing the multi-part documentary, which has already started production, according to THR.
“Muhammad Ali meant many things to many people, and he is someone who had a deep impact on me from an early age,” Fuqua said. “Being given the opportunity to tell his story, both inside and outside of the ring, is a privilege, and a dream come true, and I couldn’t have found better partners than LeBron and HBO to help memorialize ‘The Greatest of All Time.'”
The film is produced in partnership with the Muhammad Ali family estate and coordinated through Jamie Salter, chairman and CEO of the Authentic Brands Group, the majority stakeholder of the Muhammad Ali Brand. The film will feature never-before-seen photos and footage from private collections of the Ali family and others.
“We are at a perfect time in history, and in our lives as Americans, to welcome this special documentary on Muhammad with LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill Entertainment and HBO,” Ali’s widow, Lonnie Ali, said. “This documentary will have national and global appeal. I’m hopeful this documentary will engage the audience in a similar way Muhammad engaged his audience and fans. Without a doubt, Muhammad’s life journey provides simple yet extraordinary lessons for all of us, with perhaps the most important one being, to see and embrace the humanity in all people.”
James, Fuqua, Carter, Paul Wachter, Bill Gerber, Salter and Glen Zipper will exec produce; Sean Stuart will produce; and Steven Leckart will pen the script.
A premiere date has yet to be announced.
Ali, a three-time heavyweight champion of the world and global icon, died June 3. He was 74.
We Publish News 24/7. Don’t Miss A Story. Click HERE to SUBSCRIBE to Our Newsletter Now!
