Disney wants dibs on the Brittney Griner story.
The WNBA All-Star caught headlines when she was arrested and held in Russia in 2022, and sentenced to nine years in prison.
Now free, she has partnered and given exclusive rights to Disney to share her story via a documentary feature from ESPN Films, the development of a scripted series through ABC Signature, and an exclusive interview with ABC News anchor Robin Roberts, Variety reported.
Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, has also been tapped to play a part as an executive producer on the projects.
“Brittney is an exceptional athlete whose hardship and resilience are nothing short of extraordinary,” said Burke Magnus, president, of content, at ESPN, in a statement. “We are thrilled to be working with her to tell the nuances of her story and feel confident that this documentary will captivate audiences everywhere.”
This isn’t the first Disney sports-related story. In 2020, the company shunned light on former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s story from the San Francisco 49ers to activism. It led to a deal with ESPN films of documentary series produced to emphasize scripted and unscripted stories that deal with race, social injustice, and the quest for equity, and work to showcase directors and producers of color.
“The last two years have been the most harrowing, transformative, and illuminating period of my life, and I am grateful to be in a place now to share my story with the world,” said Brittney Griner, in a statement. “I’m proud to partner with ESPN and Disney to share this very personal story because of its incredible potential to inspire hope around the world and their proven ability to do just that.”
“We are honored that Brittney has entrusted us to share her story of hope, faith, and determination across our platforms,” said Debra OConnell, president, networks and television business operations, Disney Entertainment.
Dates for the airing of the projects has not been released.
Crystal Gross
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