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As per reports, Spike Lee’s Colin Kaepernick docuseries has been dropped by ESPN. The sports network recently provided a statement regarding the decision not to air the docuseries to Variety.
They stated:
"ESPN, Colin Kaepernick and Spike Lee have collectively decided to no longer proceed with this project as a result of certain creative differences. Despite not reaching finality, we appreciate all the hard work and collaboration that went into this film."
Before ESPN’s comments on the issue, Spike Lee had already revealed that the docuseries was not going to air, and had also talked about signing an NDA, due to which he couldn’t share much about the issue.
More on this in our story.
Spike Lee’s Colin Kaepernick docuseries will not air on ESPN
As mentioned, the decision not to air resulted from the creative differences between Spike Lee and the network. During an interview with Reuters on the red carpet of a fundraising dinner, the Oscar-winning director revealed that the docuseries will not be released.
He also refused to share more details and said:
"It's not coming out. That's all I can say. I can't. I signed a nondisclosure. I can't talk about it."
As per Variety, the decision to scrap the docuseries was made last year, before the NFL became one of the owners of ESPN. Matthew Belloni, an entertainment journalist and founder of Puck, had reported that the creative differences that are cited are rooted in the issue of whether the docuseries will focus solely on Kaepernick’s life or will also include other sports stars who have suffered from any kind of racial injustice.
Spike Lee’s docuseries was revealed to be telling the story of the popular quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2016. His story is unique as Kaepernick began to gain media attention for taking a bold stand against racial discrimination and police brutality by kneeling during the National Anthem in 2016.
He later dismissed his contract with the NFL team and was not signed by any other team afterwards. After his retirement, Kaepernick became an activist and was also attached to the docuseries made about his life and struggles as a sports person who dared to speak up against injustice.
More about the Cole Kaepernick docuseries
It was revealed in 2022 that Spike Lee was going to direct the docuseries and was also going to be a producer in the project. However, the project was revealed to be in the works from 2020, when Kaepernick had talked about it.
As per Deadline, Kaepernick talked about a new deal signed between the Walt Disney Company and his media company, and said:
"I am excited to announce this historic partnership with Disney across all of its platforms to elevate Black and Brown directors, creators, storytellers, and producers, and to inspire the youth with compelling and authentic perspectives."
He further added:
"I look forward to sharing the docuseries on my life story, in addition to many other culturally impactful projects we are developing."
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