Spike Lee’s long-anticipated multi-part documentary on Colin Kaepernick will not see the light of day.
The director confirmed the news to Reuters on Friday, saying simply: “It’s not coming out. That’s all I can say.” Lee declined to share further details, citing a nondisclosure agreement.
The project, originally commissioned in 2020, was set to be an in-depth, first-person account of Kaepernick’s journey. Production began in 2022 and was expected to span several episodes under the title Da Saga of Colin Kaepernick. Reports from Puck News last year signaled delays, citing disagreements between Kaepernick and Lee over the direction of the film.
On Saturday, ESPN released its own statement to Reuters, noting that the decision was mutual. “ESPN, Colin Kaepernick and Spike Lee have collectively decided to no longer proceed with this project as a result of certain creative differences,” the network said. “Despite not reaching finality, we appreciate all the hard work and collaboration that went into this film.”
Kaepernick, who has not played in the NFL since 2016, became a central figure in American sports and culture after kneeling during the national anthem to protest systemic racism and police brutality. His activism drew national attention, backlash, and ultimately a collusion grievance against the NFL, which was settled in 2019.
Neither Kaepernick nor his representatives offered additional comment on the project’s cancellation.
For now, Lee’s vision of Kaepernick’s story appears to have been cut short before release.