The Greatest: Jaalen Best Stars in Amazon's Muhammad Ali Drama

Amazon has released The Greatest, an eight-episode biographical series centered on the life of Muhammad Ali. Creator Ben Watkins, who previously served as showrunner on the network's Cross, directs the first two episodes and serves as the project's architect. The series focuses on Cassius Clay during the period leading up to his name change and his emergence as a heavyweight contender. It blends well-known historical moments with lesser-documented incidents from the boxer's early career. The narrative tracks Clay's journey from his gold medal win at the 1960 Rome Olympics to his professional debut and his growing affiliation with the Nation of Islam.

Jaalen Best, who is not a household name in Hollywood, portrays the young Cassius Clay. The casting choice is notable for placing an actor of relatively low public profile in the lead role of a figure whose public persona is widely recognized. Best captures the evolution of Clay's voice, shifting from a soft-spoken Kentucky accent to the braggadocious tone associated with Ali. His physical performance in the fight sequences is a central element of the production. The series aims to balance the public icon with the private man, showing Clay in domestic settings and religious gatherings.

The supporting cast includes Omari Hardwick as Clay's father, Cassius Sr., and Dana Gourrier as his mother, Odessa. Kai Parham plays Clay's brother, Rudy. Giovanni Ribisi portrays trainer Angelo Dundee, who identifies Clay's unique style in Miami. Amin Joseph plays Sonny Liston, the reigning heavyweight champion who is released from prison and managed by mafia interests. Michael Ealy appears as Malcolm X, a key mentor figure for Clay. The production also features Brandon McKnight as Floyd Patterson and Erica Tazel as Geraldine, Liston's romantic interest.

Watkins structures the story to highlight the tensions between Clay and the established boxing order. The series depicts the white-dominated establishment as resistant to the rise of both Clay and Liston, two black fighters who challenged the status quo. The narrative incorporates the civil rights movement as a backdrop, illustrating how the definition of progress differed among the various characters. For example, the series contrasts the views of Clay's father, a painter, with the political ambitions of Elijah Muhammad and Malcolm X. The show treats Clay's relationship with the Nation of Islam as a central driver of his personal transformation.

The first season builds toward Clay's first opportunity for the heavyweight title. It explores the formation of his management team and the friction between his unconventional boxing style and traditional coaching methods. The series includes fight scenes that aim for historical accuracy, drawing on archival footage to replicate the action. While the production leans into legendary anecdotes, such as the casting of the Olympic gold medal into the Ohio River, it generally grounds the story in verifiable events. The eight-episode format allows for detailed character development, though some critics note that the female characters remain somewhat archetypal. The series concludes with Clay's ascent to prominence, setting the stage for future conflicts with Liston and the boxing establishment.