Prime Video announced it has ordered ‘The Greatest,’ the first authorized scripted series about the life of Muhammad Ali. The series is said to have unprecedented access to Ali’s estate. Lonnie Ali, the widow of the late legend, along with Authentic Brand Group’s Corey Salter, Marc Rosen and Matthew Gross, will serve as executive producers on the series.
Jaalen Best is set to play the role of Ali in the series. Lonnie Ali said about Best, “We have uncovered a soulful gem. He is such a talented young man who not only embodies Muhammad, but exudes his resilience, courage, charisma and confidence.”
“Muhammed Ali defined commitment and passion for multiple generations of Americans. His journey is best told in full by a team whose dedication reflects that example,” said Vernon Sanders, head of television, Amazon MGM Studios in a release. “Ali’s is an awe-inspiring story of one of the most significant global figures of the 20th century. We are proud to work with Ben [Watkins] alongside Outlier, Roc Nation, Polygram, Grace, Authentic Brands, Lonnie Ali, and the very talented Jaalen Best, who we know will do a remarkable job bringing The Greatest to life for our global Prime Video customers.”
“It’s been a longtime dream to tell Ali’s remarkable life story as a television series, which is the only way to truly capture his greatness, and I’m grateful to Lonnie and the assembled team who also share my passion for getting The Greatest to the screen,” said executive producer Josh Wakely, who secured the life story rights to Ali and brought the project to Amazon.
No date has been set for the release.
