MoonlightstarTrevante Rhodesis set to playMike Tysonin Hulu’s limited seriesIron Mike, which hails from the team behindI, Tonya.
Iron Mikewill explore the former heavyweight champion’s wild, tragic and controversial life and career. The series aims to go beyond the hype, headlines and media frenzy to examine a story that deals with racism, misogyny, wealth divide and the impact of generational trauma in America told through the lens of this boxing legend. Despite being one of the most polarizing figures in sports culture, the hard-hitting fighter has already been the subject of multiple documentaries, includingJames Toback’s acclaimed 2009 filmTyson.
Margot Robbiewill executive produceIron Mikealongside herI, TonyadirectorCraig Gillespieand screenwriterSteven Rogers, who created the seriesKarin Gistwill serve as showrunner and executive produce alongsideClaire Brownand Rhodes, as well as Robbie’s LuckyChap partnerTom Ackerley,Bryan UnkelessandScott Morganof Clubhouse Pictures, andDarin Friedmanof Entertainment 360. 20th Television is producing the eight-episode limited series, which will begin production later this year.
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Though Tyson is considered one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, he was convicted of rape in 1992 and sentenced to six years in prison. He was released on parole after three years and quickly returned to the ring. However, his 1997 rematch withEvander Holyfieldended abruptly when Tyson bit off a portion of his opponent’s right ear and was subsequently disqualified.
Tyson disgraced the sport of boxing that night, and he retired from the ring in 2006 following consecutive losses to a couple of journeymen fighters. He declared bankruptcy in 2003 despite having earned more than $300 million over the course of his career. He also appeared in movies such asThe Hangover,Entourage,Rocky Balboa,Grudge Match,A Madea Family Funeral,Scary Movie Vand Toback’sBlack & White.
WhenIron Mikewas first announced, I predicted that Hulu would have a tough time finding an actor who could match Tyson’s intensity without veering into caricature, but I have to say that Rhodes is a strong choice. Not only is he legitimately talented, but he has the right build for the physically demanding role. Though Rhodes is coming off the Hulu movieThe United States vs. Billie Holiday, he has been stuck in disappointing films like12 Strong,The PredatorandBird Boxof late, so here’s hoping thatIron Mikewill be the project that makes good on the potential he showed inMoonlight. Tyson is certainly a fascinating subject for a limited series and I’m excited to see how this one turns out.
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