Introduction

Ben Watkins and his creative collective gathered at IndieWire's Consider This event to discuss adapting Muhammad Ali's legacy for Prime Video's new limited series "The Greatest." The conversation focused on peeling back the icon to reveal the person behind the legend.

What Happened

At Pacific Design Center, Watkins was joined by editor Steve Lang, costume designer Marci Rodgers, production designer Elisa Suavé, composer Stanley A. Smith, music editor Jordan Wiggins, and music supervisor Robin Urdang. The panel revealed how the team navigated unique production hurdles, from securing contemporary music rights to staging the first televised shoot inside the Colosseum. Lang described sifting through roughly 120 songs to land on the right tone for the series opener, while Urdang detailed the process of commissioning an original track from Wyclef Jean.

Why This Matters

By centering Ali's vulnerabilities, fears, and flaws rather than his larger-than-life reputation, the series aims to reintroduce the champion to younger audiences and re-engage longtime fans. The commitment to authenticity extended beyond storytelling: all score instrumentation was performed live, the orchestra reflected a deliberate gender and racial balance, and period environments were built by hand with no digital projections. These choices underscore a broader intent to honor Ali's story with integrity and texture.

Key Takeaways

  • The series humanizes Ali by exploring his personal struggles and imperfections.
  • Filming at the Colosseum marked a first for television, requiring innovative costume and production solutions.
  • An original Wyclef Jean song, "Gladiator," became central to the series' soundscape and main title.
  • All live musicians and a diverse, gender-balanced orchestra reflected the show's tonal intentions.
  • Handcrafted period design replaced digital shortcuts, grounding the series in tangible reality.

Conclusion

">The Greatest" demonstrates that a modest television budget can deliver cinematic quality when craft, collaboration, and cultural respect take center stage. Now streaming on Prime Video, the series offers a fresh lens on an icon, reminding viewers that the most compelling stories focus on the person behind the legend.