NewsLos Angeles Times — EntertainmentNovember 9, 2026Los Angeles County
Actor Jaalen Best stars as Muhammad Ali in Prime Video series 'The Greatest'
Photo: Los Angeles Times — Entertainment
Actor Jaalen Best stars as Muhammad Ali in the Prime Video eight-episode series 'The Greatest,' which premiered on Nov. 4 and explores the boxer's early life from the 1960 Rome Olympics to his 1964 championship battle against Sonny Liston. Executive produced by Michael B. Jordan and Jay-Z's Roc Nation, the series focuses on Ali's coming-of-age and private life before he adopted his Muslim name.
Read the full story at Los Angeles Times — EntertainmentWhy It Matters
The new television drama brings a fresh biographical focus to a major historical sports figure by examining his lesser-known private life, youth, and early boxing career through a multi-episode narrative.
Key Facts
- Jaalen Best stars as Muhammad Ali in the Prime Video eight-episode series 'The Greatest,' which premiered on Nov. 4.
- The series traces Ali's coming-of-age from his 1960 Rome Olympics gold medal to his 1964 championship battle with Sonny Liston.
- Executive producers include Oscar winner Michael B. Jordan and Jay-Z's Roc Nation production company.
- The cast features Omari Hardwick as Ali's father, Michael Ealy as Malcolm X, and Giovanni Ribisi as trainer Angelo Dundee.
- Ali's widow, Lonnie Ali, serves as an executive producer and consulted on the project.
- Creator Ben Watkins aimed to show behind-the-scenes moments and the private humanity of Ali rather than just well-known public events.
- Jaalen Best had no prior boxing experience and underwent six months of rigorous training, including studying Ali's voice from a 1963 spoken-word album.
- Past cinematic and documentary portrayals of Ali include the 1996 documentary 'When We Were Kings' and Michael Mann's 2001 film 'Ali'.
Who's Mentioned
PersonLonnie Ali“Muhammad Ali's widow and executive producer”PersonCassius 'Cash' Sr.“Muhammad Ali's father, played by Omari Hardwick”OrganizationPrime Video“Streaming platform distributing 'The Greatest'”PersonWill Smith“Actor who previously played Ali in the 2001 film 'Ali'”PersonMichael B. Jordan“Executive producer of the series”PersonMalcolm X“Historical figure played by Michael Ealy”OrganizationRoc Nation“Production company owned by Jay-Z”PersonRobert Duvall“Co-starred in the 1977 feature 'The Greatest'”PersonJaalen Best“Actor starring as Muhammad Ali in 'The Greatest'”PersonGeorge Foreman“Boxer who fought Ali in the 'Rumble in the Jungle'”PersonKim Coleman“Casting director for the series”PersonMuhammad Ali“Legendary boxer and subject of the television series”PersonErnest Borgnine“Co-starred in the 1977 feature 'The Greatest'”locationAlexandria“Hometown of Jaalen Best growing up in Virginia”PersonAngelo Dundee“Trainer played by Giovanni Ribisi”PersonBen Watkins“Creator and executive producer of the series”