Trevante Rhodes has got an exciting upcoming project on his hands and fans can’t wait indeed.
Rhodes, also known for Netflix’s Birdbox and Hulu’s The United States vs. Billie Holiday is prepping up to play the controversial former heavyweight champion Tyson in eight-part series Iron Mike.
Production starts later this year on the series described by Hulu as a “wild, tragic and controversial life and career behind one of the most polarizing figures in sports culture.”
Tyson has made it clear he doesn’t approve of the series about his life and hasn’t given his blessings.
Although details surrounding the production are sketchy at the moment it has been revealed Karin Gist, the showrunner on Mixed-ish, is set to executive produce and be a showrunner on the new series. Rhodes will also serve as executive producer.
Back in February, theGrio reported, the boxer called the upcoming project, “cultural misappropriation.”
In a statement, Tyson slammed Hulu for their new autobiographical project. In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter Tysonn said “Hulu’s announcement to do an unauthorized miniseries of my life, although unfortunate, isn’t surprising.”
Further voicing his disappointment and frustration with the project.
He explains;
“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 my life story. To make this announcement during Black History Month only confirms Hulu’s concern for dollars over respect for Black story rights.”
Tyson also called for an analysation of Hollywood handles and profit off of Black stories.
“Hollywood needs to be more sensitive to Black experiences especially after all that has transpired in 2020. My authorized story is in development and will be announced in coming days.”
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Hulu declined to comment on Tyson’s statement.
In a switch of events, Tyson gave his blessings to Jamie Foxx portraying his likeness, as reported by theGrio back In March:
Foxx will also serve as an executive producer for the series that will span Tyson’s entire life.
“Doing biographies is a tough thing. Sometimes it takes 20 years to get it done but we officially got the real ball rolling,” said Foxx in an interview. “I can’t wait to show people what it is.”
Antoine Fuqua will executive produce and direct the project, per Variety. Tyson and his wife, Kiki Tyson, will also executive produce the project alongside Martin Scorsese.
“I have been looking to tell my story for quite some time,” exclaimed Tyson. “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.”
