Colin Kaepernick Announces Docuseries Deal With Disney
Produced by ESPN Films.
Colin Kaepernick will be the focus of an upcoming ESPN Films docuseries, produced as part of a first-look deal with Disney.
According to reports, the project will chronicle the football player’s journey and his last five years, featuring new interviews and never-before-seen footage. Meanwhile, the partnership between his Ra Vision Media and The Walt Disney Co. will bring to life both scripted and unscripted narratives that focus on “race, social injustice and the quest for equity,” also offering a platform for minority directors and producers. The deal will cover all of Disney’s platforms, including Walt Disney Television, ESPN, Hulu, Pixar and The Undefeated.
“I am excited to announce this historic partnership with Disney across all of its platforms to elevate Black and Brown directors, creators, storytellers, and producers, and to inspire the youth with compelling and authentic perspectives,” Kaepernick said in a statement. “I look forward to sharing the docuseries on my life story, in addition to many other culturally impactful projects we are developing.”
Disney executive chairman Bob Iger added, “During this unprecedented time, The Walt Disney Company remains committed to creating diverse and inclusive content that resonates and matters. Colin’s experience gives him a unique perspective on the intersection of sports, culture and race, which will undoubtedly create compelling stories that will educate, enlighten and entertain, and we look forward to working with him on this important collaboration.”
“Developing exceptional storytelling told through a wide array of voices is at the core of who we are at ESPN,” ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro told sources. “Colin has had a singular path as both an athlete and an activist, and, as the nation continues to confront racism and social injustice, it feels particularly relevant to hear Colin’s voice on his evolution and motivations.”
The news arrives shortly after Netflix announced its own documentary on Kaepernick set to be produced by Ava DuVernay. Entitled Colin in Black & White, the series will feature six episodes about his life.
Elsewhere in entertainment, Pharrell will executive an unscripted series on Netflix.
