The Greatest (2026 TV series)
Upcoming limited series about Muhammad Ali from Amazon MGM Studios.
The Greatest is a forthcoming limited series from Amazon MGM Studios, set to stream on Amazon Prime Video. A biographical sports drama, it chronicles the life of Muhammad Ali. Ben Watkins created the series, which was developed with the cooperation of Ali’s estate. Executive producers include his widow, Lonnie Ali, along with Josh Wakely and Michael B. Jordan.
The cast features Jaalen Best as Cassius Clay, later known as Muhammad Ali. Giovanni Ribisi portrays his trainer, Angelo Dundee. Omari Hardwick and Dana Gourrier play Ali’s parents, Cassius Clay Sr. and Odessa Clay. Kai Parham appears as Ali’s brother, Rudy (later Rahaman Ali). Amin Joseph takes the role of Sonny Liston, with Erica Tazel as his wife, Geraldine. Michael Ealy has a recurring part as Malcolm X. Additional cast includes Reno Wilson as Drew Bundini Brown, Aleks Paunovic as a fictional character named William Faversham Jr., Dave Davis as a fictional character named Marvin Geller, and Adrian Alvarado as Dr. Ferdie Pacheco.
Amazon Prime Video ordered the series in July 2024. Executive producer Josh Wakely originally secured the rights to Ali’s life story and brought the project to Amazon. Ben Watkins serves as showrunner and executive producer through his company Blue Monday, and he also directed the first two episodes. Michael B. Jordan executive produces via Outlier Society, whose president Elizabeth Raposo also holds that title. Other executive producers include Lonnie Ali, Corey Salter, Marc Rosen, and Matthew Gross of Authentic Brands Group, as well as Michele Anthony and Boyd Muir. Production companies involved are Authentic Studios, Roc Nation, PolyGram Entertainment (a Universal Music Group partner), and Grace: A Storytelling Company.
Filming took place in Cobourg, Ontario, in April 2025, and at the Hamilton-Oshawa Port Authority, an Art Deco building in Hamilton’s North End, in July 2025. Additional locations included Toronto and other parts of Hamilton. The series is scheduled to premiere on November 4, 2026.
Quick Facts
- Genre
- Biographical / Sports drama
- Creator
- Ben Watkins
- Starring
- Jaalen Best / Giovanni Ribisi / Omari Hardwick / Dana Gourrier
- Language
- English
- Executive Producer
- Ben Watkins / Josh Wakely / Michael B. Jordan / Elizabeth Raposo / Lonnie Ali / Michele Anthony / Boyd Muir / Corey Salter / Marc Rosen / Matthew Gross / David Blackman
- Company
- Amazon MGM Studios / Outlier Society / Blue Monday / Authentic Studios / Roc Nation / Reunion Pacific Entertainment / PolyGram Entertainment / Grace: A Storytelling Company
- Network
- Amazon Prime Video
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The series received a series order from Amazon Prime Video in July 2024, with the rights to Muhammad Ali's life story originally acquired by executive producer Josh Wakely, who brought the project to Amazon. It is produced by Amazon MGM Studios in collaboration with Ali's estate. Ben Watkins serves as executive producer and showrunner, also directing the first two episodes. Michael B. Jordan executive produces for Outlier Society, with Outlier's president Elizabeth Raposo also serving as executive producer. Additional executive producers include Lonnie Ali, Corey Salter, Marc Rosen, Matthew Gross, Michele Anthony, and Boyd Muir. The series is also produced by Authentic Studios, Roc Nation, PolyGram Entertainment, and Grace: A Storytelling Company.
The cast is led by Jaalen Best as Cassius Clay, later Muhammad Ali. Giovanni Ribisi plays Clay's boxing trainer Angelo Dundee. Omari Hardwick and Dana Gourrier were cast as Ali's parents in February 2025. Kai Parham plays Ali's brother Rudy, later Rahaman Ali. Amin Joseph features as Sonny Liston, and Michael Ealy has a recurring role as Malcolm X. Additional cast includes Reno Wilson as Drew Bundini Brown, Aleks Paunovic as a fictional character named William Faversham Jr., Dave Davis as a fictional character named Marvin Geller, and Adrian Alvarado as Dr. Ferdie Pacheco. Filming took place in Cobourg, Ontario in April 2025.
Reader's Guide
The Greatest is a significant upcoming limited series because it represents a major collaboration between Amazon MGM Studios and Muhammad Ali's estate, ensuring the project has direct family involvement. The series aims to dramatize the life of one of the most iconic figures in sports and civil rights history, Muhammad Ali. With a cast including Jaalen Best as Ali and Michael Ealy as Malcolm X, the series covers key relationships and opponents from Ali's early career. The involvement of executive producers such as Lonnie Ali and Michael B. Jordan signals a high-profile production. The series is set to premiere on November 4, 2026, and will be available on Amazon Prime Video, making it accessible to a global audience. Its legacy will depend on how it portrays Ali's transformation from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali and his impact on boxing and society.
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