Apple TV+ has released a trailer for its upcoming docuseries on Earvin “Magic” Johnson, titled They Call Me Magic. The multi-part documentary will debut on Apple’s streaming service Friday, April 22.
As the trailer demonstrates, the docuseries uses archival footage to chronicle Johnson’s life and career from his prep days (including the story of how he got his nickname, which was also mentioned in the second episode of HBO’s Winning Time) to Michigan State, which springboarded him to a Hall of Fame career with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Johnson won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, three Most Valuable Player awards, 12 All-Star appearances, and a college basketball national title.
Give the trailer a look below:
The story of Magic Johnson also can’t be told without including him contracting HIV, which forced him to retire from the NBA in 1991 (though he made a brief comeback in 1996). Additionally, he’s made a significant impact as a businessman, particularly with opening movie theaters and Starbucks cafes in underserved inner-city communities, which led to him becoming a part-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In addition to Johnson recounting the events of his own life, interviews for the documentary include many figures from his basketball career, the coaches, players, executives, and reporters who were a part of or documented one of the greatest careers in NBA history. Among those seen in the trailer are Jerry West, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Shaquille O’Neal, Dwyane Wade, and Michael Wilbon. Celebrities such as Snoop Dogg, Samuel L. Jackson, LL Cool J, and Barack Obama also contribute to the film.
Directed by Rick Famuyiwa (Dope, The Mandalorian), the four-part documentary was edited by Dirk Westervelt (Ford v Ferrari), with cinematography by Academy Award nominee Rachel Morrison (Mudbound). Apple won the bidding for the docuseries over Peacock for a reported price of $25 million.
They Call Me Magic premieres on Apple TV+ on Friday, April 22.
Ian Casselberry is a sports media columnist for BSM. He has previously written and edited for Awful Announcing, The Comeback, Sports Illustrated, Yahoo Sports, MLive, Bleacher Report, and SB Nation. You can find him on Twitter @iancass or reach him by email at iancass@gmail.com.
