Jamie Foxx will play the great boxer Mike Tyson in a new limited biographical series, Variety Learned.
The series, simply titled “Tyson”, is not currently configured on a network or streaming service, but it will undoubtedly find one quickly, given the names already attached to it. Antoine Fuqua is on board to direct and executive produce for Fuqua Films, with Martin Scorsese also serving as executive producer for Sikelia Productions.
The series is said to span Tyson’s entire life.
“I have been trying to tell my story for a long time,” said Tyson. “With the recent release of Legends Only League and the excitement of fans after my return to the ring, now seems like the perfect time. I look forward to collaborating with Martin, Antoine, Jamie and the entire creative team to bring 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 complete series. Foxx will be the executive producer, in addition to starring. Along with Fuqua and Scorsese, Tyson and his wife, Kiki Tyson, will be executive producers along with Sophie Watts and John Ryan Jr. on behalf of Tyson’s Legends Only League. Rick Yorn of LBI Entertainment will also serve as executive producer. Azim Spicer from Legends Only League will act as an associate producer.
Foxx has been discussing his involvement in a Tyson project for some time, stating last year that he was preparing for the role, although at the time it was considered a biopic rather than a series.
This is Tyson’s second limited series announced last month. Hulu previously announced that it had ordered a limited series of eight episodes about the boxer, but Tyson spoke out vehemently against the series when it was announced and said he was not involved in it.
Tyson made headlines around the world when he became the youngest heavyweight champion in boxing history in 1986, at the age of 20. He has remained a major force in boxing for years and is widely considered to be one of the greatest heavyweight fighters of all time. But his life outside the ring might attract even more attention, with Tyson becoming famous for his wild exploits. He was also charged with serious physical and mental abuse by his wife, Robin Givens, and was convicted of rape in 1992, serving less than three years in prison.
He has made a kind of comeback in recent years, appearing on projects like the movie franchise “The Hangover” as himself and performing in a one-man Broadway show. He was also open about his struggles with mental illness and substance abuse. Most recently, Tyson fought an eight-round display fight against Roy Jones Jr. in November, which ended in a draw. The event served as the launch of Legends Only League.
Foxx is represented by CAA, LBI Entertainment and Ziffren Brittenham. Fuqua is represented by LBI Entertainment and Ziffren Brittenham. Scorsese is represented by WME, LBI Entertainment and Hansen Jacobson. Tyson is represented by Paradigm.