Award-winning director Ron Howard is not only known for his legendary film career but also for his unwavering passion for the Los Angeles Dodgers. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Howard shared his excitement about producing the Apple TV+ docuseries “Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series” as a lifelong Dodgers fan. The series, a collaboration with filmmaker R.J. Cutler, provides viewers with a deep dive into the historic World Series showdown between the Dodgers and the New York Yankees.
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For Howard, the opportunity to delve into the world of baseball and tell the story of the World Series in a cinematic and emotional way was a dream come true. Cutler, who directed the docuseries, highlighted the unique chance to capture the essence of baseball by exploring the heart and soul of the sport alongside the players’ skills and athleticism. The collaboration between Howard and Cutler brought a fresh perspective to the traditional World Series summary films produced by Major League Baseball.
Despite not knowing which teams would make it to the World Series when they started the project, Howard was thrilled when his beloved Dodgers made it to the championship. As the executive producer of the series, he had the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the journey as a fan. When the Dodgers took a commanding 3-0 lead against the Yankees, Howard found himself torn between wanting more drama in the series and his love for his team.
Ultimately, the series ended with the Dodgers claiming victory with a 4-1 win over the Yankees. Howard expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating that he got to enjoy both the process of producing the documentary and witnessing his team’s success on the field. While some may have preferred different teams in the World Series, Cutler joked about Howard’s efforts to ensure the Dodgers’ participation.
Both Howard and Cutler emphasised their gratitude for being able to combine their love for filmmaking with their passion for baseball. They highlighted the challenges and triumphs faced by players in the sport, making each game a compelling and dramatic story to tell. As the new baseball season approaches, the duo expressed their desire to continue documenting future World Series events, believing that there is endless potential for storytelling in the world of baseball.
As fans eagerly await the start of the new season, Howard and Cutler’s docuseries serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of baseball and the thrill of the World Series. With “Fight for Glory: 2024 World Series” now available for streaming on Apple TV+, viewers can experience the excitement and emotion of the historic Dodgers-Yankees showdown through the lens of two passionate storytellers.