Michael B. Jordan’s award collection isn’t the only thing expanding — so is his slate of TV shows. The newly minted Oscar winner made a surprise appearance at Amazon’s Prime Video upfront presentation in New York City, but this time, the spotlight wasn’t on his next acting role. Instead, it was about his rapidly expanding influence as a producer and creative force behind some of Amazon MGM Studios’ most ambitious upcoming television projects.
Jordan, introduced onstage by Amazon TV head Peter Friedlander and film chief Courtenay Valenti, showcased three major series under his Outlier Society banner: the Muhammad Ali biographical drama The Greatest, the Delphi spinoff from the Creed universe, and the highly anticipated fantasy adaptation of Fourth Wing.
Across the presentation, Jordan’s message was clear: he’s building worlds, not just starring
“The Greatest” Gets a First Look
Jordan offered the first real look at The Greatest, his authorized Muhammad Ali biographical series, and the cast is coming together in a big way. Jaalen Best leads the series as Ali himself, and joined Jordan on stage alongside Lonnie Ali, wife of the late boxing icon, who is serving as a consultant on the project. A brief sizzle reel was also shown.
The ensemble around Best is equally impressive. Amin Joseph will play Sonny Liston, Ali’s greatest rival, while Omari Hardwick and Dana Gourrier will portray Ali’s parents, Cassius “Cash” Clay Sr. and Odessa “Bird” Clay. Michael Ealy is set as Malcolm X, and Kai Parham will play Rudy Clay, Ali’s younger brother. Created and executive produced by Ben Watkins alongside Jordan, the series is the first scripted project ever authorized by the Ali estate.
Delphi is Set to Begin Production Soon
First announced at last year’s Amazon upfront, Delphi is the first live-action series set in the Rocky and Creed universe, centering on the next generation of fighters coming up through the ranks at Delphi Boxing Academy, the iconic Los Angeles gym originally helmed by Apollo Creed’s legendary trainer Tony “Duke” Evers. Now under the leadership of his son Little Duke, the gym is once again full of hungry contenders balancing ambition and rivalry inside and outside the ring. Jordan announced Monday that production will begin in Los Angeles on May 18, with showrunner Marco Ramirez joining him on stage for the news.
Fourth Wing: Series Order Confirmed
The biggest update of the night was the confirmation that Fourth Wing, the adaptation of Rebecca Yarros’ bestselling romantasy novel, has received an official series order. Jordan’s Outlier Society had quietly acquired the rights to Yarros’ Empyrean book series before the first novel even published in May 2023. Now it is moving forward with Meredith Averill as showrunner and Lisa Joy set to direct the pilot. Yarros will also executive produce. The series follows Violet Sorrengail, a young woman forced by her military general mother to enter Basgiath War College and train as a dragon rider.
All three series are being produced under Outlier Society’s overall TV deal with Amazon MGM Studios.