Hulu has ordered the eight-episode limited series “Iron Mike” which reunites several key players from the Oscar-winning film “I, Tonya”.
The project will explore the wild, tragic and controversial life and career of former boxing heavyweight champion Mike Tyson who remains one of the most polarizing figures in sports culture.
Tyson made worldwide headlines becoming the youngest ever heavyweight champion in boxing history in 1986 at the age of 20. His life outside the ring attracted more attention, Tyson becoming infamous for both his wild exploits and serious mental and physical abuse of his wife Robin Givens. He was also convicted of rape in 1992, ultimately serving less than three years in prison.
Karin Gist (“Mixed-ish,” “Star”) will serve as showrunner and executive produce while Craig Gillespie will direct and executive produce alongside Margot Robbie, Steven Rogers, Claire Brown, Tom Ackerley and Brett Hedblom.
Tyson is not involved in the production of the show and is not happy about it. Shortly after the project was announced yesterday, Tyson took to Instagram with the following statement:
“Hulu’s announcement to do an unauthorized mini-series of the Tyson story without compensation, although unfortunate, isn’t surprising. This announcement on the heels of social disparities in our country is a prime example of how Hulu’s corporate greed led to this tone-deaf cultural misappropriation of the Tyson life story.
To make this announcement during Black History Month only confirms Hulu’s concern for dollars over respect for black story rights. Hollywood needs to be more sensitive to black experiences especially after all that has transpired in 2020.
The real Mike Tyson authorized story is in development and will be announced in the coming days. Hulu to announce stealing a black athletes story during Black History month couldn’t be more inappropriate or tone-deaf.”
Tyson has previously attempted comebacks of sorts such as his appearance in “The Hangover,” a one-man show on Broadway, and being open about his struggles with mental illness and substance abuse.
Source: Variety
