Rise (2022 film)

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Rise
Rise official logo.jpg
Official logo
Directed byAkin Omotoso
Written byArash Amel
Produced byBernie Goldmann
Starring
Production
company
Distributed byDisney+
Release date
  • 2022 (2022)[1]
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Rise is an upcoming American biographical sports-drama film directed by Akin Omotoso, from a script written by Arash Amel. Based on the true story of three young Nigerian-Greek brothers, who emigrate to the United States and rise to fame and success within the National Basketball Association. The film stars newcomers Uche Agada, Ral Agada, and Jaden Osimuwa in the three primary roles; with Elijah Shomanke, Yetide Badaki, and Dayo Okeniyi in supporting family roles.

Rise is intended to be released by Walt Disney Pictures as a Disney+ original film. Principal photography was announced to have commenced by October 2021.[1]

Synopsis[]

The true story events follow three Nigerian-Greek brothers, who are raised out of anonymity and thrust into the fame of professional basketball. Parents Vera and Charles Antetokounmpo move to Greece from Nigeria for a chance at a better life for their family. The couple work hard to provide for their five children, while the reality of deportation from a difficult citizenship system threatens the dreams for their children. In order to earn enough money to pay the bills, the family works together to sell souvenirs to tourists in Athens. When opportunity arises, the Antetokounmpo brothers take their Frustrations to the public[disambiguation needed] basketball courts. Individually, they quickly realize that although they have no experience in the sport, they are naturally gifted ball players. With the help of a talent agent, the trio decide to pursue careers in the NBA.[1]

Cast[]

Additionally, Maximiliano Hernández, Eddie Cahill, Pilar Holland, and McColm Cephas Jr. were cast in supporting roles.[1]

Production[]

Development[]

In October 2020, a biographical film centered around Giannis Antetokounmpo and his family was announced to be in development from The Walt Disney Studios. Developed under the working title of "Greek Freak" (a basketball nickname for Giannis), with Akin Omotoso serving as director from a script written by Arash Amel, the project was stated to show "through faith, determination, and their unbreakable bond, [the Antetokounmpo family] unite[s] to lift themselves out of a life of poverty as undocumented immigrants living in Greece." Bernie Goldmann was announced to serve as producer, while Giannis serves as executive producer. Production was tentatively scheduled to commence some time in 2021, in Greece and the United States. [2]

Casting[]

In March 2021, newcomer Uche Agada was cast to play Giannis Antetokounmpo after seeing a social media post from the NBA star regarding an open casting call for the role. Yetide Badaki and Dayo Okeniyi were cast in supporting roles as the parents of Giannis, Veronica and Charles Antetokounmpo.[3][4] In October of the same year, the official title of the film was revealed to be Rise. The rest of the cast was announced with Ral Agada as Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Jaden Osimuwa as Kostas Antetokounmpo, and Elijah Shomanke as Alex Antetokounmpo. Manish Dayal and Taylor Nichols were revealed in supporting roles as Giannis's talent agent named Kevin, and the General Manager of the Milwaukee Bucks named John Hammond. Maximiliano Hernández, Eddie Cahill, Pilar Holland, and McColm Kona Cephas Jr. were cast also joined the cast.[5][1]

Giannis Antetokounmpo made the official statement in his role as executive producer: "I am thrilled and honored that Disney+ is bringing my family’s story to people all over the world. My hope is that it will inspire those in similar circumstances to keep the faith, stay true to their goals and not to give up on striving for a better life."[1]

Filming[]

Principal photography was revealed to have already commenced in October 2021, with official production photos released by The Walt Disney Company.[1][6]

Release[]

Rise is intended to be released exclusively through streaming on Disney+, in 2022.[5][1]

References[]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Devore, Britta (October 20, 2021). "'Rise': Basketball Biopic Announces 2022 Release Date on Disney+". Collider. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  2. ^ Kroll, Justin (October 28, 2020). "Disney Developing Film Based On True Life Story Of Giannis Antetokounmpo And His Family". Deadline. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  3. ^ Otterson, Joe (March 19, 2021). "Giannis Antetokounmpo Movie for Disney Plus Finds Its Lead, Adds Yetide Badaki and Dayo Okeniyi (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  4. ^ Welk, Brian (March 19, 2021). "Giannis Antetokounmpo Biopic 'Greek Freak' Casts Newcomer Uche Agada as Young NBA Star". The Wrap. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  5. ^ a b Walt Disney Studios (October 20, 2021). "Rise". Twitter. Retrieved October 21, 2021.
  6. ^ Shuler, Skyler (October 20, 2021). "Giannis Antetokounmpo Biopic 'Rise' Hitting Disney+ in 2022". The DisInsider. Retrieved October 21, 2021.

External links[]

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