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Prime Video Orders Muhammad Ali Limited Series ‘The Greatest’ From Michael B Jordan, Ben Watkins

Prime Video Orders Muhammad Ali Limited Series 'The Greatest' From Michael B Jordan, Ben Watkins

Prime Video has officially greenlit “The Greatest,” a limited series exploring the life of Muhammad Ali, with Jaalan Best cast as the iconic boxer (yes, previous rumors of his casting were true). This highly anticipated project comes from executive producers Michael B. Jordan, known for his work in the “Creed” franchise, and Ben Watkins, the creative force behind “Cross.”

This marks the first authorized scripted series on Muhammad Ali, featuring unprecedented access to his estate. The series will delve into both the well-documented and lesser-known aspects of Ali’s life, providing a comprehensive portrait of the man beyond his public persona.

“The Greatest” is backed by an impressive lineup of producers. Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society, under an overall deal with Amazon MGM Studios, leads the production. Joining them are Watkins’ Blue Monday Productions, Authentic Studios, Roc Nation, Polygram Entertainment (a Universal Music Group partner), and Grace: A Storytelling Company. Lonnie Ali, Muhammad Ali’s widow, also serves as an executive producer, ensuring an authentic representation of Ali’s legacy.

Vernon Sanders, Head of Television at Amazon MGM Studios, highlighted the significance of this series: “Muhammad Ali’s story is one of the most awe-inspiring tales of the 20th century. We are proud to collaborate with Ben, Outlier, Roc Nation, Polygram, Grace, Authentic Brands, and Lonnie Ali. Jaalen Best is an incredible talent who we believe will bring Ali’s story to life for our global audience.”

Ben Watkins, who is also working on another Prime Video series, “Cross,” expressed his excitement: “To be entrusted with telling the story of my most cherished hero, Muhammad Ali, is humbling and a dream come true. I feel an overwhelming sense of pride, responsibility, and gratitude.”

Lonnie Ali shared her thoughts on Best’s casting: “I’m thrilled to be producing ‘The Greatest’ alongside Ben Watkins, who has captured the essence of Muhammad. Jaalen Best is a soulful gem who embodies Muhammad’s resilience, courage, charisma, and confidence.”

Josh Wakely, another executive producer, has spent years bringing Ali’s story to television. “It’s been a long-time dream to tell Ali’s remarkable life story as a TV series. I’m grateful to Lonnie and the team for sharing my passion to get ‘The Greatest’ to the screen,” he said.

Other executive producers include Outlier Society President Elizabeth Raposo, Corey Salter, Marc Rosen, and Matthew Gross from Authentic Brand Group, Michele Anthony, Boyd Muir, and David Blackman from Polygram, and Stefano Agosto from Outlier Society.

Jaalan Best joins a prestigious list of actors who have portrayed Muhammad Ali on screen, including Will Smith in the 2001 biopic “Ali” and Eli Goree in the 2020 Amazon Prime film “One Night in Miami.”

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