THE GREATEST – Muhammad Ali Biopic To Film In Toronto

The Greatest, an upcoming biopic series authorized by the Ali estate will begin filming in April.

The project comes from Michael B. Jordan (Creed) and Ben Watkins (Cross) who will executive produce. Watkins will also serve as showrunner.

Growing up in the South, surrounded by racial bigotry and discrimination. Cassius Clay (later Muhammad Ali) fought not just for a living, but also for respect and rewards far more precious than money or glory. Both Sports Illustrated and the BBC both awarded him Sportsman of the Century.

Ali redefined what it meant to be an athlete by giving hope to millions around the world. Inspiring us all to fight for what is important to us. This is a multifaceted portrait of Muhammad Ali only he could render sports legend, unapologetic anti-war advocate, outrageous showman and gracious goodwill ambassador, fighter, lover, poet, and provocateur, and an irresistible force to be reckoned with.

Jaalen Best will play Muhammad Ali in the series. Best’s previous roles include All American: Homecoming and Magnum P. I.. The Greatest will be the young actor’s first lead role.

Filming runs from 22 April 2025 through to 22 July 2025

A Legend

Ben Watkins had this to say:

“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.”

Fellow executive producer Josh Wakely spent years working on The Greatest, securing the life story rights to Ali and bringing the project to Amazon.

Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society produces the Greatest which has an overall deal with Amazon MGM Studios. Other producers are Watkins’ Blue Monday Productions, Authentic Studios, Roc Nation, Polygram Entertainment, a Universal Music Group partner, and Grace: A Storytelling Company, with Ali’s widow Lonnie Ali executive producing.

SOURCE: Deadline.com