Former NFL quarterback turned activist Colin Kaepernick has partnered with Disney to produce an exclusive docuseries from ESPN Films about his life and entire journey from being a San Francisco 49ers quarterback to a civil rights leader.
This deal between Kaepernick’s production arm, Ra Vision Media and Disney will also aim to tell scripted and unscripted stories focusing around race, equality, and social justice. Also, this will provide a platform for minority artists such as directors and producers to showcase their talent and skills.
The deal will extend across all of Disney’s platforms such as ESPN, Hulu, Pixar, and Walt Disney television.
“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.”
I am excited for this partnership with Disney across all of its platforms to elevate Black and Brown directors, creators, storytellers & producers. I look forward to sharing culturally impactful and inspiring projects. https://t.co/MXidGoWXNZ
— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) July 6, 2020
“During this unprecedented time, The Walt Disney Company remains committed to creating diverse and inclusive content that resonates and matters,” said Bob Iger, Disney’s executive chairman. “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.”
Kaepernick has not played football since 2016, when he was exiled for taking a knee at a match during the national anthem to bring to light police brutality and social injustice that the minorities in the United States faced. But, in the recent past, the NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said he’d support a team if they chose to sign Kaepernick.
Following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis due to police brutality, many famous politicians such as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and sportspersons have taken the knee to support the Black Lives Matter movement.
ESPN has also seen much success in the sports docuseries segment, thanks to a “The Last Dance,” a docuseries about Michael Jordan and Chicago Bulls.
Will this docuseries also garner as much attention from viewers? Do let us know what you think in the comments section below.
