Years ago, Jamie Foxx wowed fans with his portrayal of the great Ray Charles. Now, he's looking to portray another great entertainer. Foxx has been cast as Mike Tyson in a limited series chronicling the life of the former heavyweight champion. Foxx will be joined by two great minds in the world of film and television, Martin Scorsese and Antoine Fuqua. Scorsese will executive produce the series while Fuqua directs it.
“I have been looking to tell my story for quite some time,” Tyson said about the new series.
“With the recent launch of Legends Only League and the excitement from fans following my return to the ring, now feels like the perfect moment. I look forward to collaborating with Martin, Antoine, Jamie, and the entire creative team to bring audiences a series that not only captures my professional and personal journey but also inspires and entertains.”
Behind the camera, Colin Preston will write series. Foxx, Fuqua, Tyson and his wife, Kiki Tyson, will also fulfill executive producer duties. At this time, there is no word as to where the series will land.
This is not the first time that a series has been made about Tyson. Earlier this year, Hulu announced that it was developing an eight-episode series about the former heavyweight champion. However, Tyson is not involved and is vehemently opposed to its development.
“Hulu’s announcement to do an unauthorized mini-series of the Tyson story without compensation, although unfortunate, isn’t surprising,” Tyson stated.
“This announcement on the heels of social disparities in our country is a prime example of how Hulu’s corporate greed led to this tone-deaf cultural misappropriation of the Tyson life story. To make this announcement during Black History Month only confirms Hulu’s concern for dollars over respect for black story rights. Hollywood needs to be more sensitive to black experiences especially after all that has transpired in 2020. The real Mike Tyson authorized story is in development and will be announced in the coming days. Hulu to announce stealing a black athlete's story during Black History Month couldn’t be more inappropriate or tone-deaf."
There is no word as to when the Hulu series will debut either.
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