Rumors are swirling that Jaalen Best has been cast to play the legendary Muhammad Ali in the upcoming Amazon series “The Greatest,” produced by Michael B. Jordan. Best, known for his roles in “Magnum P.I.,” “American Horror Stories,” and “All American: Homecoming,” could be stepping into what might become a major role if these reports are confirmed.
This development was first reported by industry insider @theinsneider who has a known track record for accurate scoops.
The series itself, initially announced in 2021, is a collaboration between Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society, Roc Nation, and Amazon Studios. “The Greatest” is set to explore the multifaceted life of Muhammad Ali, offering a more comprehensive look at the man behind the boxing legend and civil rights activist.
Michael B. Jordan expressed his dedication to the project in an interview with Deadline, stating, “It’s an incredible honor and I bring tons of respect to it. It’s a healthy weight to carry, to be able to tell the story of Muhammad Ali. We’re partnered with Roc Nation on the music side of things, and with the estate, so we can tell this story with no red tape.”
Written by Josh Wakely, known for his Emmy-winning “Motown Magic,” the series will be executive produced by Jordan and JAY-Z’s Roc Nation. Jordan highlighted the unique approach of the series, saying, “People know Muhammad Ali from his boxing days, but this is an opportunity to go beyond the ring and more into the man. It’s going to give more of a 360-degree view of who he was.”
Despite his deep involvement in the series, Jordan confirmed that he would not be portraying Ali himself. The rumored casting of Best suggests that the production is focused on bringing new and authentic talent to the forefront.
This project is part of a broader deal between Jordan’s Outlier Society and Amazon Studios, which includes an exclusive overall pact for television and a first-look film deal. Jennifer Salke, Head of Amazon Studios, praised Jordan’s vision, stating, “There are certain ambitious artists that come in the door and want to work across Amazon, who see the opportunity to positively impact our business and scale their voice across different parts of the company.”
Jordan also expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, saying, “Bringing Outlier Society’s slate of film, television, and multimedia content all under the same roof is an exciting next chapter for us. Amazon’s global and expansive reach offers us the ability to entertain and engage our audience in innovative ways while maintaining our commitment to supporting a wide range of stories and storytellers.”
While the casting of Jaalen Best as Muhammad Ali remains a rumor at this stage, the potential is generating considerable anticipation. As fans await official confirmation, “The Greatest” promises to deliver an in-depth and engaging portrayal of one of the most iconic figures in history.