‘The Greatest’ Review: Amazon’s Handsome Muhammed Ali Biopic Connects in Spite of Itself — SkimNews
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- Amazon Prime Video releases the biopic series 'The Greatest' on November 4, with all eight episodes dropping at once, marking a new Ali-sanctioned portrayal of the boxer’s life.
- Muhammad Ali is portrayed by newcomer Jaalen Best in the series, which traces his journey from the 1960 Olympics to winning the heavyweight title from Sonny Liston.
- Lonnie Ali, Muhammad Ali’s widow, serves as an executive producer alongside Michael B. Jordan and Shawn 'Jay-Z' Carter, signaling close family involvement in the project’s narrative direction.
- Ben Watkins, the series creator, plans a three-season arc, with the first season ending shortly after Ali’s victory over Liston and future seasons expected to cover the mid-1970s, including the Foreman fight.
- Omari Hardwick plays Cassius Sr., Ali’s father, delivering a layered performance that explores the strained relationship between father and son, rooted in unfulfilled artistic ambition and personal failings.
- Amin Joseph portrays Sonny Liston with emotional depth, highlighting his troubled past and media vilification, creating a poignant contrast with Ali’s supported rise.
Why it matters: The series gains narrative authority through the Ali estate’s direct involvement and high-profile producers, but that same alignment may limit its willingness to confront Ali’s more controversial personal legacies, such as his marriages and alleged abuse, suggesting a polished, heroic framing over a fully complex portrait.
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