The Mike Tyson limited seriesIron Mikeis happening at Hulu from the team behindI, Tonya, but the boxing legend does not approve of the “unauthorized” project. Consisting of eight episodes, the series will delve into the controversial life and career of “one of the most polarizing figures in sports culture.” Tyson is not involved in the series, though he had previously been briefed by Hulu executives that the project was in development.
“Hulu’s announcement to do an unauthorized miniseries of my life, although unfortunate, isn’t surprising. This announcement on the heels of social disparities in our country is a prime example of how Hulu’s corporate greed led to this tone-deaf cultural misappropriation of my life story,” Tyson said in a statement provided toThe Hollywood Reporter.
He added: “To make this announcement during Black History Month only confirms Hulu’s concern for dollars over respect for Black story rights. Hollywood needs to be more sensitive to Black experiences especially after all that has transpired in 2020. My authorized story is in development and will be announced in coming days.”
Iron Mikeis created byI, Tonyascreenwriter Steven Rogers with Karin Gist (Mixed-ish) attached to serve as showrunner and executive producer.I, Tonyadirector Craig Gillespie will also direct the series and executive produce alongside Gist,I, Tonyastar Margot Robbie, LuckyChap’s Tom Ackerley and Brett Hedblom, Entertainment 360’s Darin Friedman, and Clubhouse Pictures' Bryan Unkeless and Scott Morgan.
It’s not yet clear which scenes fromIron Mikehave the real Tyson upset, but theboxing legendhas had a life mired in controversy. At the prime of his boxing career, he was convicted of rape and spent three years in prison. He returned to the sport after his release, but he infamously lost his rematch against Evander Holyfield in 1997 when he literally bit off a piece of his opponent’s ear. Iron Mike staged another comeback to boxing after that event before officially retiring in 2005.
Last year,Mike Tysonreturned to the ring after a 15-year hiatus for an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. The fight went the full eight rounds and was declared a split draw by the three judges at the end of the match. It’s not clear at this time if Tyson plans on organizing more exhibition matches with other opponents. Additionally, Tyson was seen in the wrestling ring last year as well when he made a special appearance at All Elite Wrestling’s Double or Nothing event.
Tyson was known for hisaggressive naturein the 80s and 90s, but he seems to have mellowed out in recent years. This includes voicing himself in aScooby-Doo-style cartoon show calledMike Tyson Mysterieson Adult Swim. The boxing legend also been hosting the podcast Hotboxin' with Mike Tyson and consistently makes appearances on other TV shows and podcasts.
Huluhasn’t commented on Tyson’s response toIron Mike. It hasn’t been revealed by the streamer when the miniseries will become available. This news comes to us fromThe Hollywood Reporter.
