Morgan Freeman To Create New Muhammad Ali TV Series
Morgan Freeman is developing a new television series titled “Excellence: 8 Fights” about Muhammad Ali.
The eight-part scripted drama is based on Jonathan Eig’s biography “Ali: A Life” and will explore the fight going on in the heart and mind of one of the twentieth century’s most significant and controversial characters. Ali’s life outside of the ring, including his personal troubles, will be depicted in the series.
Peacock is producing the upcoming project which has enlisted Regé-Jean Page, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Willmott as executive producers.
“Excellence: 8 Fights will chronicle eight distinct and defining moments in the iconic life of Muhammad Ali,” the show’s synopsis reads.
“Each episode will be framed by one fight from Ali’s life. But the essence of the episode, what it’s really about, is the internal fight. The drama outside the ring. Where we will explore the struggle going on in the heart and mind of one of the most consequential and controversial figures of the 20th century.”
Michael B. Jordan and Roc Nation revealed in February 2021 that they were developing “The Greatest,” a television series about Ali.
“It’s a project where we’ve partnered with the estate and we’ll be able to tell this story with no red tape,” Jordan told Deadline at the time. “People know Muhammad Ali from his boxing days, but this is an opportunity to go beyond the ring and more into the man. It’s going to give more of a 360-degree view of who he was.”
Nevertheless, fans haven’t heard anything about the show since Jordan announced it. It’s uncertain whether “The Greatest” will continue or if “Excellence: 8 Fights” will take its place. But, because “Excellence: 8 Fights” has cooperated with Ali’s estate, it will be allowed to convey this story without any red tape.
A musical production based on Ali’s life is also in the works, in addition to this TV series. Teddy Abrams, the show’s composer, gained permission from Lonnie Ali, Muhammad’s widow, to construct a musical production.
The theatre project also includes Clint Dyer, deputy artistic director of London’s National Theatre, and producer Richard Willis.
Source – Tru News Report
