Muhammad Ali documentary produced by LeBron James to debut on HBO on May 14
The two-part documentary on the legendary late former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali called “What’s my Name: Muhammad Ali” that Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James produced will debut on HBO on May 14.
The documentary is the first feature-length production from SpringHill Entertainment and has James and Maverick Carter as executive producers. The two episodes will air back-to-back on HBO on May 14 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Antoine Fuqua, who directed “Training Day,” “Southpaw” and “The Magnificent Seven,” is the film’s director.
The documentary is unique in that it uses Ali’s words as a narrator and includes some never-before-seen footage, which in Ali’s case is quite rare.
“Muhammad Ali transcended sports in a way the world had never seen before,” James said. “It’s an honor to have the opportunity to tell his incredible and important story for the coming generations. He showed us all the courage and conviction it takes to stand up for what you believe in. He changed forever what we expect a champion to be, and I’m grateful that SpringHill gets to be a part of continuing his legacy.”
James pitched the idea to HBO and the company, which had a 45-year association with boxing until last year, quickly accepted.
“Muhammad Ali is indisputably one of the most iconic and distinctive figures in the history of sports,” said Kary Antholis, the president of HBO Miniseries and Cinemax Programming. “His impact resonates far beyond the boxing ring and is woven deep into the cultural and social tapestry of the second half of the 20th century. His personality, his voice, his message and his legacy all endure as an important element of American history. From the moment LeBron James told us of his deep visceral connection to Ali’s life and legacy, we were committed to helping him and Antoine Fuqua realize this film about one man’s incredible journey and the impact he had upon the world.”
Ali’s widow, Lonnie, said the documentary will deliver Ali’s legacy to a new audience which did not grow up with him.
“We are at a time in American history when we look to a new generation of heroes like LeBron James to carry on Muhammad’s legacy, not only by remembering Muhammad, as is done so eloquently in this documentary, but also through their own words and deeds,” she said. “I’m grateful to LeBron, Maverick Carter, SpringHill Entertainment and HBO for advancing the ideals that Muhammad believed in and fought for throughout his life.”
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