Jamie Foxx is set to play boxing giant Mike Tyson. Titled ‘Tyson’, the developing limited series is a biographical project, which highlights the full life of Tyson.
Antoine Fuqua is directing and executive producing via his production banner Fuqua Films. Martin Scorsese is also onboard to executive produce via Sikelia Productions. No major studio or streaming platform is currently attached.
“I have been looking to tell my story for quite some time,” Tyson said. “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.”
Tyson together with his wife Sarah Tyson will also executive produce alongside Legends Only League’s Sophie Watts and John Ryan Jr. Rick Yorn of LBI Entertainment will also executive produce with Azim Specer as associated producer.
The instalment marks the second time a limited series about Tyson has been announced. Hulu released in a statement sometime back that were in the process of developing a limited series about the boxing champion, but was rubbished off after Tyson came out to denounce his involvement with the streaming service.
Tyson’s legacy in the ring made great reviews when he became the youngest ever heavyweight champion in boxing history in 1986 at the age of 20. His outside life has also sparked much attention in the media space. He was accused of serious mental and physical abuse by his wife, Robin Givens, and was convicted of rape in 1992, ultimately serving less than three years in prison.
Foxx became an awards season beloved in 2005, when he won an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, a Screen Actors Guild Award and a Critic’s Choice Award for Ray’, a biographical thriller about the late American Singer Ray Charles. He is currently the host and executive producer of the Fox game show Beat Shazam.
He is repped by CAA, LBI Entertainment and Ziffren Brittenham.
