\’The Greatest\’\”: Amazon\’s Muhammad Ali Series Stars Michael Ealy as Malcolm X and Kai Parham as His Brother

EXCLUSIVE:

Kai Parham (
Colin in Black and White
) and Michael Ealy (
Power Book II: Ghost
,
Reasonable Doubt
) have joined the cast of Prime Video’s
The Greatest
, a limited series about the life of Muhammad Ali (Jaalen Best), from executive producer Michael B. Jordan and executive producer/showrunner Ben Watkins.

The series will feature the defining moments in Ali\’s life and career – both in and out of the ring – that have been well documented and moments that took place outside the spotlight. The world remembers an icon, but
The Greatest
is about a man, a husband, a father, a brother, and a son.

In a series regular role, Parham will play Rudy Clay, Ali’s younger brother. In a recurring role, Ealy will (finally) play Malcolm X.

Throughout his career, Ealy’s name has been mentioned repeatedly as the actor fans would most like to see portray Malcolm X. Although this will be the first time Ealy will embody the Civil Rights and Black Muslim movement leader in fiction, he has previously performed live readings of Malcolm X’s words, including in the documentary film
The People Speak
.

Ali became a member of the Nation of Islam, where Malcolm X was an ardent advocate until 1964, though he later distanced himself from the organization in the 1970s.

The earlier announced casting includes Omari Hardwick and Dana Gourrier, set to play Cassius \”Cash\” Clay Sr. and his spouse Odessa “Bird” Clay, respectively—the mother and father of both Muhammad Ali and Rudy Clay.

Snowfall
Star actor Amin Joseph will portray Sonny Liston, who was both Ali\’s opponent and the reigning heavyweight champion. Liston, previously seen as an invincible fighter, unexpectedly lost his title in 1964 to the brash underdog Muhammad Ali (formerly recognized as Cassius Clay).

The Greatest
is produced by Michael B. Jordan\’s Outlier Society, which has an overall deal with Amazon MGM Studios, Watkins\’ Blue Monday Productions, Authentic Studios, Roc Nation, Polygram Entertainment, a Universal Music Group partner, and Grace: A Storytelling Company.

Watkins, Jordan, along with Elizabeth Raposo from Outlier Society, serve as executive producers together with Lonnie Ali, who is married to Ali; Corey Salter and Marc Rosen and Matthew Gross of the Authentic Brand Group; representatives from Roc Nation including Michele Anthony; Boyd Muir; and Josh Wakely through his company, Grace: A Storytelling Company. Additionally, Aiyana White and Jeff Augustin hold roles as executive producers. For Polygram, David Blackman serves as co-executive producer.

Ealy was recently spotted in the popular Starz show.
Power Book II: Ghost
and will next appear alongside Taylor Kitsch in
The Terminal List: Dark Wolf
For Amazon MGM Studios. He was previously featured in Hulu’s Onyx Collective series.
Reasonable Doubt
and guest-starred on Peacock\’s
Bel-Air
and
The Afterparty
For Apple TV, he starred alongside Kristen Bell in the dark comedy series.
The Lady at the House Over the Road from the Maiden in the Frame
For Netflix and the ABC television drama series
Stumptown
.

His film credits include Netflix’s
Fatale
, the Lionsgate film
The Devil You Know
starring Omar Epps, the Sony thriller
The Intruder
, and the Macro/Netflix movie
Really Love
He served as an executive producer and led the cast in the Sony thriller.
The Perfect Guy,
He earned an NAACP Image Award nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for this role. Ealy is represented by Anonymous Content and Gersh Agency.

Parham embarked on his acting career at age 11 when he took on the role of Donkey.
Shrek the Musical
Before honing his skills further at Concordia University Irvine, where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre, Acting & Directing, he made his professional move into the entertainment sector via various commercial appearances, voice-over work, and minor acting parts, including
Colin in Black & White
, developed by Colin Kaepernick and Ava DuVernay, along with an appearance on Disney’s
Encore!
He both penned and helmed the web series.
Side Quest
Parham is represented by Arise Artists Agency.