Jamie Foxx will play the big box Mike Tyson in a new biographical series, Variety learned.
The series, titled “Tyson”, is not currently set up at a network or streaming service, but it will undoubtedly be found soon, given the names already attached to it. Antoine Fuqua is on board for directors and executive products via Fuqua Films, with Martin Scorsese also executive production via Sikelia Productions.
The series reportedly spans Tyson’s entire life.
“I’ve wanted to tell my story for some time,” Tyson said. “With the recent launch of Legends Only League and the excitement of fans after my return to the ring, it now feels like the perfect moment. I look forward to working with Martin, Antoine, Jamie and the entire creative team to give the audience a series that not only captures my professional and personal journey, but also inspires and entertains. “
Colin Preston wrote the pilot for “Tyson” and is currently writing the full series. Foxx will star executive productions in addition to the lead role. Along with Fuqua and Scorsese, Tyson and his wife, Kiki Tyson, will be performing products alongside Sophie Watts and John Ryan Jr. on behalf of Tyson’s Legends Only League. Rick Yorn of LBI Entertainment will also deliver executive production. Azim Spicer of Legends Only League will serve as associate producer.
Foxx has been discussing his involvement with a Tyson project for some time and said last year that he was deeply trained for the role, although at the time it was a biopic rather than a series.
This is the second series of Tyson restrictions announced last month. Hulu had earlier announced that it had ordered a limited series of eight episodes about the boxer, but Tyson came out strongly against the series when it was announced, saying he was not involved in it.
Tyson made headlines worldwide when he became the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history in 1986 at the age of 20. But his life outside the ring may have attracted even more attention, with Tyson becoming notorious for his wild accomplishments. He was also accused of serious mental and physical abuse by his wife, Robin Givens, and was convicted in 1992 of rape, which ended up serving less than three years in prison.
He has made a big comeback over the past few years and has appeared in projects such as ‘The Hangover’ as a franchise and performed in a one-man show on Broadway. He was also open about his struggle with mental illness and drug abuse. Recently, Tyson had an eight-round exhibition against Roy Jones Jr. in November. battle, which ended in a draw. The event served as the launch of the Legends Only League.
Foxx is repeated by CAA, LBI Entertainment and Ziffren Brittenham. Fuqua is repeated by LBI Entertainment and Ziffren Brittenham. Scorsese is repeated by WME, LBI Entertainment and Hansen Jacobson. Tyson is repeated by Paradigm.