Muhammad Ali’s widow, Lonnie Ali, got into a sweet spot with Amazon fans on Monday. Lonnie was introduced by Michael B. Jordan, who is producing a series about her late husband’s formative years, what the kids call “TMI.”
During the event, the duo talked about casting Jaalen Best (All Americans: Homecoming, Magnum P and American horror stories) to portray the late professional boxer and global icon on Prime Video’s The greatest.
Looney said: “There had to be a very special person to play this role. We learned from the star that whoever plays Ali must be Ali.” “He’s got to have courage, conviction, heart, he’s got to have looks, all of that, you know, he’s got to have looks. Muhammad was beautiful. We looked everywhere, and we had to get the package, as they say.”
After Jordan, and the room, laughed in response, she added: “He really did it. He really did it.”
“He was the man, right? He was the man. So we needed the man,” Looney continued. “We’ve looked up and down, but I’m telling you, Muhammad would be so proud, so proud of this young man. I can’t wait for you to meet Jalen Best.”
The scripted drama will explore the life of the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time. “The astonishing victories and defeats that made Ali a legend, both in and out of the ring, have been well documented, and while these historic events will always be vivid in our minds… The greatestThe pulse of the story is fed by all the moments that happened outside the spotlight. The world remembers the icon, however The greatest Its events revolve around a man, husband, father, brother and son.”
Jordan executive produces alongside Lonnie, Ben Watkins (who also serves as showrunner), Elizabeth Raposo, Corey Salter, Mark Rosen, and Matthew Gross. Additional executive producers include Roc Nation, Michele Anthony, Boyd Muir, David Blackman and Josh Wakeley. Muhammad’s estate has also been signed to the series.
Release date The greatest Not announced yet.
Katie Kilkenny contributed reporting.
