Prime Video Greenlights Muhammad Ali Drama

Prime Video has ordered The Greatest, the first authorized scripted series about the life of boxing champion Muhammad Ali.

Jaalen Best (All American: Homecoming) is set to star in the titular role in the series, which has secured unprecedented access to the estate of Ali. The Greatest promises to show the victories and defeats that made Ali a legend, both in and out of the ring, but also the moments that took place outside of the spotlight.

The series is produced by Michael B. Jordan’s (the Creed franchise) Outlier Society, Ben Watkins’ Blue Monday Productions, Authentic Studios, Roc Nation, Polygram Entertainment (a Universal Music Group partner) and Grace: A Storytelling Company, with Watkins (Cross) set as showrunner and executive producer.

“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 at Amazon MGM Studios. “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 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.”

“To be trusted with the honor of telling the story of my most cherished hero, Muhammad Ali, is humbling and scary and a dream come true,” said Watkins. “I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride, responsibility, and, most of all, gratitude.”

Lonnie Ali, executive producer and the widow of the late legend, said: “I’m thrilled to be producing The Greatest alongside Ben Watkins, who captured the essence and nuance of Muhammad. With Jaalen 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.”

Elizabeth Raposo, executive producer and president of Outlier Society, said: “On behalf of the Outlier Society team, I want to thank the incomparable Lonnie Ali for entrusting us to tell the story of one of the greatest humanitarians in the history of the world. It is with humility and gratitude that we will begin the journey of making this wonderful show.”

“We are excited to participate in a project celebrating the iconic athlete, trailblazer and activist Muhammad Ali. His impact extended far beyond the boxing ring, using his platform to inspire and transform culture,” said Desiree Perez, CEO of Roc Nation. “It’s an honor to collaborate with all our partners, especially Lonnie Ali. The Greatest is a perfect title for a show dedicated to his legacy.”

Michele Anthony, executive VP of Universal Music Group, added: “It’s been an honor to work with Lonnie to tell the incredible story of how Cassius Clay became the iconic Muhammad Ali. We look forward to sharing this personal portrait with his fans around the world.”

“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.