Photo credit: www.thewrap.com
Kevin Hart along with his production team is making a significant foray into television with a new dramatic series that recounts the incredible events surrounding one of the most notorious heists in Atlanta’s history. The project boasts a remarkable cast, reflecting the ambitious nature of the storytelling.
“Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” draws inspiration from an iHeart Radio podcast and is brought to life through the collaborative efforts of producers Will Packer and Shaye Ogbonna, who have adapted this remarkable true story into a limited series format.
Packer admitted to an initial hesitance toward period pieces, but was captivated by the unbelievable nature of the story. “When I first encountered this narrative while working on the podcast, I found it so astonishing that it couldn’t remain untold,” he shared, emphasizing the potential of this narrative to be both visually engaging and authentic to its historical context.
Set against the backdrop of Muhammad Ali’s return to the boxing ring after his protest against the Vietnam War, the story centers around Gordon “Chicken Man” Williams, portrayed by Hart, who strives to leverage the event’s excitement to elevate Atlanta’s status. He enlists the help of the influential gangster Frank Moten, played by Samuel L. Jackson, to spice up the after-party atmosphere. However, a complex robbery plot soon brings the attention of detective J.D. Hudson, depicted by Don Cheadle, onto Williams and the city’s criminal landscape.
Packer expressed his astonishment upon first learning of the heist, noting, “This is an extraordinary story that deserves to be showcased. Although period pieces are not typically my area of focus, this narrative offers a unique opportunity to present history with a fresh and appealing approach.”
The series features a powerhouse ensemble cast that includes notable actors like Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard, Chloe Bailey, Dexter Darden, and Sinqua Walls. Ogbonna remarked on the caliber of talent involved, highlighting the authenticity of the story as a primary draw for these A-list actors.
Here’s what you need to know to catch “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist”:
When does “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” premiere?
Viewers can stream the first three episodes of “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” on Peacock starting Thursday, September 5.
Are the episodes released weekly or all at once?
While the initial three episodes will be available simultaneously on the premiere date, subsequent episodes will launch weekly on Peacock, culminating in the complete eight-episode series available by October 10. Here’s the viewing schedule:
Episode One: “Round One: The Ballad of Chicken Man” – Thursday, September 5
Episode Two: “Round Two: Fight Night” – Thursday, September 5
Episode Three: “Round Three: Black Vegas” – Thursday, September 5
Episode Four: “Round Four: Real Policework” – Thursday, September 12
Episode Five: “Round Five: Ambition Ain’t Free” – Thursday, September 19
Episode Six: “Round Six: Community Men” – Thursday, September 26
Episode Seven: “Round Seven: Jekyll Island” – Thursday, October 3
Episode Eight: “Round Eight: Testify” – Thursday, October 10
What is “Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist” about?
Based on the affiliated iHeart Radio podcast, “Fight Night” chronicles the chaotic aftermath of a high-stakes after-party tied to Muhammad Ali’s 1970 boxing comeback. For Gordon “Chicken Man” Williams, it was a golden opportunity to gather prominent Black gangsters and powerful figures. However, the event spiraled into chaos and gave rise to one of the largest heists in Atlanta’s history, prompting J.D. Hudson, one of the city’s first Black police officers, to investigate the crime and unveil the schemers behind it.
Watch the trailer:
Source
www.thewrap.com