**The Greatest: A Deep Dive into Muhammad Ali’s Life Now Streaming on Prime Video**
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/michael-b-jordan-1-aa65002cbfd84bc8b4846e330f783fea.jpg)
A groundbreaking new series, titled *The Greatest*, has emerged as the first authorized scripted portrayal of the life of Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer and cultural icon. Now available for streaming on Prime Video, the series presents a compelling examination of the pivotal years that contributed to Ali’s ascent in the boxing world, with Jaalen Best stepping into the role of the young sportsman.
Ben Watkins, the creator behind the series, revealed to PEOPLE that his initial hesitation to take on the project was largely due to his admiration for Ali, who he regards as his lifelong hero. “I was afraid to engage because I didn’t want to mess it up,” Watkins shared during the series’ premiere in New York City. However, it was his deep-rooted friendship with actor Michael B. Jordan that ultimately encouraged him to accept the formidable task.
Jordan, who also serves as an executive producer on the series, played a crucial role in bringing *The Greatest* to fruition—his influence being described by Watkins as “the biggest reason” for his involvement. The two have a long history together, and Watkins credits their friendship for making the decision to join the project easier. “Because I was friends with Michael and he expressed a mutual passion and a commitment to protect a vision, I signed on,” he said.
The series faced its share of challenges during its development, with questions regarding budget and green lights. Each time obstacles arose, Jordan took it upon himself to intervene personally. “Every time that this show was on the ropes in terms of, ‘Are we gonna get a budget? Are we gonna get a green light?’ He showed up in person, out of nowhere,” Watkins recounted, highlighting Jordan’s dedication to the project.
Integral to the authenticity of the series is the involvement of Ali’s widow, Lonnie Ali, as well as the Ali Estate. Their contributions provided the production team with unique access to the boxer’s personal life, enabling them to craft a narrative that goes beyond the ring. “Being able to tell it without any red tape and dive into the family that actually helped nurture the man…was really intriguing,” Jordan remarked, indicating his hope that viewers will gain deeper insight into not just the champion, but the legacy he created alongside his family.
Playing the role of a young Ali, Jaalen Best has found the experience both challenging and rewarding. The 28-year-old actor expressed how important Jordan’s mentorship has been throughout the filming process. “He’s incredible,” Best stated, while sharing that he often turned to Jordan for guidance, especially given Jordan’s rich experience portraying another boxing character, Adonis Creed, in the *Creed* films.
Moreover, the physical demands of the role required Best to maintain rigorous training, which necessitated additional support. “It was a constant thing of making sure I had a masseuse or somebody there to help get the kinks out of my body,” he explained, illustrating the intense preparation necessary for embodying one of sports’ most revered figures.
In addition to Watkins and Jordan’s joint efforts, Lonnie Ali’s role as an executive producer further ensures that the series offers an intimate exploration of her late husband’s multifaceted life—a combination of his boxing prowess, humanitarian work, and global influence.
As the series becomes available to viewers around the world, it’s anticipated that audiences will not only witness a depiction of Ali’s professional key moments but also experience a closer look at the man behind the gloves—the person who inspired a generation and transcended the sport of boxing.
*The Greatest* is now streaming on Prime Video, promising to be both an educational and entertaining account of Muhammad Ali’s life for both long-time fans and those unfamiliar with his extraordinary journey. The hope is that audiences come away with a richer understanding of Ali’s legacy, shaped by the people who knew him best.
About the Author
