Jaalen Best, 28, stars as Muhammad Ali in the eight-episode Prime Video docuseries "The Greatest," premiering Wednesday. Created by Ben Watkins and executive-produced by Michael B. Jordan and Lonnie Ali, the series is the first authorized scripted exploration of Ali's life beyond the ring, focusing heavily on his family.
Best prepared intensively for the role, training with boxing coach Rob Sally for three hours a day, six days a week. He studied fight footage, noting details like shoulder relaxation and jab fluidity, while syncing his movements to the rhythm of Motown legends like James Brown and Sam Cooke. His athletic background as a former walk-on basketball player at East Carolina informed his physicality, though capturing Ali's speed and precision required constant adjustment.
Omari Hardwick co-stars as Ali's father, Cassius Clay Sr., drawing on a personal connection after meeting Ali's daughter Maryum at the 2015 NAACP Image Awards. Michael Ealy also features in the cast. Best aimed to embody Ali's cadence and slang, famously replying to questions with, "I can't complain, too good it's a dag-gone shame," echoing the boxer's legendary confidence.
The series marks a significant cultural moment as the first authorized depiction of Ali's story for a new generation.
Source: ESPN General · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing