By Walt Disney Studios has announced that a new film on the triumphant real life story about the Antetokounmpo family will debut in 2022 on Disney Plus.
The movie, directed by Nigerian director Akin Omotoso, will tell the struggles of the family’s emigration from Nigeria to Greece and how their passion for basketball produced the first trio of brothers to become NBA champions in the history of the league — two-time MVP Giannis and his brothers, Thanasis and Kostas.
In a statement announcing the movie, Giannis said, “I am thrilled and honoured 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.”
In “Rise”, real-life brothers Uche Agada and Ral Agada portray young Giannis and Thanasis, with Jaden Osimuwa and Elijah Shomanke as their other two brothers, Kostas and Alex, respectively.
The duo, Dayo Okeniyi and Yetide Badaki are starred as their parents, Charles and Vera. Manish Dayal will play Giannis’ tenacious agent Kevin as Taylor Nichols portray John Hammond, general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Others in the cast are Maximiliano Hernandez, Eddie Cahill, Pilar Holland and McColm Kona Cephas Jr. The film also stars Nigerian actors Joke Silva and Lala Akindoju.
