Prime Video has set Wednesday, November 4 as the premiere date for The Greatest, its upcoming Muhammad Ali limited series, and released the first teaser for the show. The announcement was made Saturday during a special presentation on the mainstage at the Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans, moderated by ESPN and ABC News journalist Kelley Carter. Creator, showrunner and executive producer Ben Watkins joined star Jaalen Best alongside cast members Dana Gourrier, Amin Joseph, Kai Parham and Michael Ealy for the reveal.
The eight-episode limited series stars Best as Cassius Clay and Muhammad Ali, chronicling Ali’s transformation from Louisville newcomer to one of the most influential athletes and humanitarians in history. The show goes beyond the ring, exploring Ali’s personal relationships as a father, husband, brother and son, alongside the defining moments that shaped his public legacy.
youtube.com/watch?v=p0ktK7TYD88&feature=youtu.be
Leading the cast is Best as Ali, with Omari Hardwick and Dana Gourrier starring as Ali’s parents, Cassius “Cash” Clay Sr. and Odessa “Bird” Clay. Kai Parham plays Rudy Clay, Ali’s younger brother. Amin Joseph takes on the role of heavyweight rival Sonny Liston, with Erica Tazel portraying Liston’s wife Geraldine. Michael Ealy appears in a recurring role as Malcolm X, whose relationship with Ali proved pivotal during his time with the Nation of Islam. Giovanni Ribisi plays trainer Angelo Dundee, Aleks Paunovic portrays early benefactor William Faversham Jr., and Reno Wilson brings to life Drew “Bundini” Brown, Ali’s cornerman and the man credited with crafting the iconic phrase “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”
The Greatest is the first authorized scripted series about Ali’s life, executive produced by Lonnie Ali, the widow of the late boxing legend. Watkins serves as showrunner and executive producer through his Blue Monday Productions, joined by Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society, Authentic Studios, Roc Nation, Polygram Entertainment and Grace: A Storytelling Company.
The series premieres November 4 on Prime Video in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide.