Prime Video’s upcoming limited series The Greatest, chronicling the life of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, has added two more to its cast. Michael Ealy and Kai Parham (Colin in Black and White) are set to join the ensemble led by Jaalen Best, who stars as Ali himself.
The series which comes from from executive producer Michael B. Jordan and executive producer/showrunner Ben Watkins also stars Amin Joseph as Ali’s greatest rival, Sonny Liston, alongside Omari Hardwick and Dana Gourrier who will portray Ali’s parents, Cassius “Cash” Clay Sr. and Odessa “Bird” Clay, respectively.
The Greatest promises to explore the pivotal moments in Ali’s career and personal life, providing a deep dive into the man behind the icon. The series will showcase both the well-known triumphs of Ali’s career and the lesser-known aspects of his journey, offering insight into his life as a father, husband, son, and brother, alongside his celebrated role in the boxing world.
Michael Ealy will portray the influential civil rights leader Malcolm X, a key figure in Ali’s life. Ealy, whose name has been widely discussed as a perfect fit for the role of Malcolm X, will bring his extensive experience to the role, marking his first time embodying the figure in a scripted drama. Ealy previously performed live readings of Malcolm X’s words in the documentary The People Speak and has long been associated with the role.
Kai Parham will join the cast in a series regular role as Rudy Clay, Muhammad Ali’s younger brother.
Produced by Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society in collaboration with Amazon MGM Studios, the series also boasts a powerful group of executive producers, including Jordan, Ben Watkins (Justified: City Primeval), and Outlier Society president Elizabeth Raposo. The show is backed by additional production companies such as Roc Nation, Polygram Entertainment, and Grace: A Storytelling Company. Lonnie Ali, Muhammad Ali’s widow, ensures the story remains faithful to his legacy.
Stay tuned for more updates as Prime Video’s The Greatest continues to take shape.