The age of the biopic continues with the possibility that Jamie Foxx will play Mike Tyson in the story of his life. According to Vibe, the boxer recently revealed that he was in talks with Foxx to bring his biopic to life.
During an interview with Associated Press in Toronto he shared why he thinks Foxx would be the perfect fit. “Me and Jamie Foxx have been talking and he’s willing to take that role and portray me as Mike Tyson, doing my life story,” Tyson said. “I think he’s splendid because he’s really up to par. I think he would do a magnificent job.”
Tyson even touched on Foxx having to bulk up for the role. “I saw him the other night and we discussed it. He doesn’t have the physicality but he will.
Variety is reporting that Jamie Foxx will play boxing great Mike Tyson in a new biographical limited series.
Foxx, who won an Oscar for his portrayal of Ray Charles in 2004 biopic Ray, will star in and exec produce Tyson, a limited series directed and exec produced by Fuqua and exec produced by Raging Bull director Scorsese and Tyson himself. Tyson, which will tell the life of the legendary boxer, will be directed and executive produced by Antoine Fuqua. Martin Scorsese will also executive produce via his Sikelia Productions.
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Rick Yorn, Ian Montone, Chuck Pacheco and James Barnett will also executive produce for LBI Entertainment. Mike Tyson and Kiki Tyson will also executive produce with Sophie Watts and John Ryan Jr. for Mike Tyson's Legends Only League. The League's Azim SPicer will associate produce.
The project was previously set up as a feature film back in 2014 with Foxx attached to play Tyson and Terence Winter writing the script. Foxx said last summer that he was bulking up to play the boxer.
In a statement, Tyson said he has been waiting to tell his life story to his audience."I have been looking to tell my story for quite some time,” he 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 made worldwide headlines when he became the youngest ever heavyweight champion in boxing history in 1986 at the age of 20. He remained a major force in boxing for years and is widely considered one of the greatest heavyweight fighters of all time. But his life outside the ring attracted perhaps even more attention, with Tyson becoming infamous for his wild exploits.
Here is a summary of the key people involved in the Mike Tyson biopic:
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| Role | Person |
|---|---|
| Actor | Jamie Foxx |
| Director & Executive Producer | Antoine Fuqua |
| Executive Producer | Martin Scorsese |
| Executive Producer | Mike Tyson |
It comes after Hulu revealed last month that it had ordered a limited series, Iron Mike, from I, Tonya screenwriter, director Craig Gillespie and exec produced by Margot Robbie and Karin Gist, straight-to-series. Scorsese will executive produce the series under his Sikelia Productions banner, Rick Yorn will executive produce on behalf of LBI Entertainment, alongside Ian Montone, Chuck Pacheco, and James Barnett. Sophie Watts and John Ryan Jr. will serve as executive producers on behalf of Mike Tyson’s Legends Only League with Azim Spicer serving as associate producer on behalf of the league.
“I have been looking to tell my story for quite some time,” said Mike Tyson. “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. Tyson launched Legend Only League, which kicked off with a fight between Tyson and Roy Jones Jr.
Foxx is represented by CAA, LBI Entertainment and attorney Matt Johnson of Ziffren Brittenham. Fuqua is represented by LBI Entertainment and attorneys Matt Johnson and Brian Lazarus of Ziffren Brittenham. Scorsese is represented by WME, LBI Entertainment and attorneys Steve Warren and Gretchen Rush of Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush, Kaller & Gellman.
But the future of the project is undecided. “I don’t think he’s going to do it,” Tyson said Sunday at Allegiant Stadium as he was led by heavy security from the Al Davis Memorial Torch, which he lit up at the start of Sunday’s Raiders-Steelers Game. “We might be getting someone else to come in and do it.
This movie is not to be confused with “Mike”, the original Hulu series starring Trevante Rhodes in the title role. Tyson has said he had nothing to do with that series, which debuted Aug.
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If the response for Tyson’s appearance at Allegiant Stadium is any measure, a film about his life and career would be a smash.
Foxx, of course, returned in July from a serious illness that took him out of public appearances dating to April. Foxx is back as the ambassador for the Bet MGM wagering app, with spots premiering earlier this month.
“Absolutely, we are going to do it,” Tyson said when asked if the film was still moving ahead. “It could be next year. It could be two years from now. Everybody’s interested.
Tyson added that his combat-sports career seems never to end. “There’s a possibility, because everybody wants to fight me.” He plugged his Tyson 2.0 cannabis brand and Mike Tyson Cares charity foundation.
“You know me,” he said, grinning. Many of the Las Vegas Aces, and Carrie Underwood were spotted at the game. And! Our buddy Flavor Flav, who performed Saturday with Chuck D. Monday’s Dark returns this week with a tribute to Gwen Stefani and No Doubt for Prevent Child Abuse Nevada. John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. His “PodKats!” podcast can be found at reviewjournal.com/podcasts.
Mike Tyson
Jamie Foxx