Oscar-winner
Jamie Foxx (
"Ray") is set to star as boxing legend
Mike Tyson in an upcoming biographical miniseries. Simply titled
"Tyson", the limited series is not currently set up at a network or streaming service. Foxx has been involved with the project since 2014, and last year he stated that he was deep into training for the role, but at the time it was meant to be a theatrical biopic.
The series will span the whole of Tyson's life.
"Training Day" and
"The Equalizer" helmer
Antoine Fuqua will direct and executive produce.
Martin Scorsese is onboard to executive produce. The pilot episode is written by
Colin Preston, who is in the process of writing the full series.
Foxx is also set to executive produce alongside
Sophie Watts and
John Ryan Jr. on behalf of Tyson's Legends Only League, and
Rick Yorn of LBI Entertainment.
Azim Spicer of Legends Only League will serve as associated producer.
Here's Tyson's statement regarding the project:
"I have been looking to tell my story for quite some time. 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."
Another eight-episode limited series based on the boxer's life is in the works at Hulu, but Tyson came out strongly against that series calling it "unauthorized" when it was announced, while also accusing the streamer of "tone-deaf cultural misappropriation".