Prime Video Sets ‘The Greatest’ with Jaalen Best, EP Michael B. Jordan

The first-ever scripted series about boxing legend and humanitarian Muhammad Ali is coming to Prime Video with the upcoming drama, The Greatest. The series will star newcomer Jaalen Best.

Billed as the first authorized scripted series about Ali, The Greatest promises “unprecedented access” to Ali’s estate. Produced by a star-studded team including Michael B. Jordan and his Outlier Society, Ben Watkins’ Blue Monday, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, Authentic Studios, Polygram Entertainment, and Grace: A Storytelling Company, the series is poised for success. Along with executive producing, Ben Watkins will serve as showrunner. Other key contributors include Corey Slater, Marc Rosen, and Matthew Gross from Authentic Brand Group; Boyd Muir and David Blackman for Polygram; and Stefano Agosto of Outlier Society.

The series aims to intimately explore Ali’s life, focusing on his victories and defeats both in and out of the ring. According to the synopsis, “The heartbeat of the story is fueled by all the moments that took place outside of the spotlight. The world remembers an icon, but The Greatest is about a man, a husband, a father, a brother, and a son.”

Vernon Sanders, head of Amazon MGM Studios, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Muhammad 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.”

“Ali’s is an awe-inspiring story of one of the most significant global figures of the 20th century,” he added. “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.”

Ali’s widow Lonnie Ali also shared her excitement: “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.”

Watkins himself commented on the honor of telling Ali’s story: “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. I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride, responsibility, and most of all, gratitude.”

Elizabeth Raposo, president of Outlier Society, echoed these sentiments, saying, “On behalf of the production company, I want to thank Lonnie 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.”

Desiree Perez, CEO of Roc Nation, added, “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. It’s an honor to collaborate with all our partners, especially Lonnie Ali. The Greatest is the perfect title for a show dedicated to his legacy.”

Josh Wakely, who secured the life story rights and brought the story to Prime Video, mentioned that it’s been his “longtime dream” to bring Ali’s life to television. “The only way to truly capture his greatness is through this medium, and I’m grateful to Lonnie and the assembled team who also share my passion for getting The Greatest to the screen.”

Universal Music Group’s Executive Vice President Michele Anthony shared her thoughts as well, saying, “It’s been an honor to work with Ali’s widow 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.”

Best’s other credits include multiple episodes of All American: Homecoming.

Source: Deadline, Collider, The Wrap