On Monday, Springhill Entertainment, a production company created by Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James and his business associate, Maverick Carter, announced their partnership with HBO in producing a new documentary based on the life of Muhammad Ali.
The documentary is yet to be titled, but has been described as a multi-part series in which James and Carter will serve as executive producers.
According to HBO’s official release:
The documentary will explore Ali’s greatest triumphs and comebacks, painting an intimate portrait of a man who, against all odds, dreamed and achieved the impossible, over and over again.”
The film is being directed by Antoine Fuqua. Most movie-lovers will remember Fuqua’s previous works, such as “Training Day,” “Southpaw,” and “The Magnificent Seven”.
James recently donated $2.5 million to The Smithsonian National Museum’s new Ali exhibit, so it’s safe to say he holds the greatest boxer of all time in the highest of regards.
Joe Vardon of www.cleveland.com recants James’ words from the official press release in his recent article:
It’s tough to put into words how much it means to me to be a part of this project honoring the legacy and telling the extremely important story of the great Muhammad Ali. He transcended sports and used his platform to empower people, which paved the way for all athletes and people of every race and gender that came after him, myself included. It’s important that his story continues for generations to come, and it’s an honor for SpringHill Entertainment and me to be a part of this.”
Ali’s wife, Lonnie Ali, made the following statement with regards to the documentary:
We are at a perfect time in history, and in our lives as Americans, to welcome this special documentary on Muhammad with LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill Entertainment and HBO. This documentary will have national and global appeal. I’m hopeful this documentary will engage the audience in a similar way Muhammad engaged his audience and fans. Without a doubt, Muhammad’s life journey provides simple yet extraordinary lessons for all of us, with perhaps the most important one being, to see and embrace the humanity in all people.”
Bringing Ali’s great story to the public is an immense honor. With Springhill Entertainment and HBO working together, there is no doubt that this film will be a classic.
