Jaalen Best, 28, recently stepped into the spotlight as he portrays Muhammad Ali in The Greatest, an eight-episode docuseries that premiered on Wednesday on Prime Video. The production marks the first authorized scripted series to explore the legendary boxer's life, with a particular focus on his world beyond the ring and his deep affection for his family. Best has embraced the role with a confidence that mirrors his character, often adopting Ali's cadence and slang in interviews.
The casting process for the lead role was notably unconventional. Creator Ben Watkins narrowed the field to four finalists and subjected them to a boxing workout rather than a traditional audition. Watkins intentionally kept a low profile during the session, having a crew member observe the actors from the front desk to ensure they performed naturally. That evening, each candidate was required to study and memorize the third round of Ali's gold medal bout at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Best ultimately stood out due to his physical resemblance to the boxer.
To fully inhabit the character, Best underwent an intensive training regimen under boxing coach Rob Sally. This involved three hours of training per day, six days a week, even before the part was officially secured. Sally assigned specific footage of Ali boxing, shadowboxing, and training, requiring Best to analyze and report on subtle movements such as shoulder relaxation and the fluidity of his jabs. Best noted that he often slowed down video clips to study the rhythm of Ali's footwork.
Despite his background as a former walk-on basketball player at East Carolina, Best found that translating his athletic skills into Ali's specific speed and precision required constant adjustment. His trainer frequently urged him to be faster, sharper, and to fully extend his punches. To further immerse himself in the era, Best incorporated the music of the time into his routine. He found that listening to Motown artists like James Brown and Sam Cooke, alongside contemporary artists like Leon Bridges, helped him establish a graceful rhythm that allowed him to float on his feet.
Omari Hardwick, who plays Ali's father Cassius Clay Sr., brought a personal connection to the role. Hardwick had previously met Ali after the 2015 NAACP Image Awards, where Ali's daughter Maryum mentioned her father was a fan of Hardwick's work. This meeting led to a visit with the family and inspired Hardwick to write a poem about Ali for his album never ghost: season 7. He views the role as a spiritual assignment, feeling as though Ali's spirit directed him to play his father.
Hardwick's character navigates a complex relationship with his son, characterized by pride, jealousy, and the challenges of supporting a family under Jim Crow. Hardwick highlighted the societal contrast between a boxer who is celebrated for his physical prowess and a father who works with his hands in more mundane jobs. Off-screen, Hardwick and Best developed a close bond while living near each other in Toronto. Their relationship extended to their families, with Best eventually being called Pops by Hardwick's son, which made their on-set dynamic feel authentic.
Michael Ealy, cast as Malcolm X, took a different approach to preparing for his scenes with Best. Ealy requested that the creators keep the two actors apart until they filmed their first scene together. He wanted their initial encounter to capture the genuine anticipation and organic energy that the young Cassius Clay would have felt when meeting Malcolm X. Ealy explained that he did not want any preconceived notions of Best as an actor to influence the performance.
The cast also relied on conversations with family members to inform their portrayals. Ealy spoke with Malcolm X's daughter Attallah Shabazz to understand his life as a husband and parent, while Best and Hardwick consulted with Lonnie Ali for insights into Muhammad's personal life. For Best, the role also involved understanding the ambition behind Ali's famous declaration that he was the greatest, a statement that extended beyond sport to a desire to mean something to the world.
The series, created by Watkins with Michael B. Jordan and Lonnie Ali serving as executive producers, offers a nuanced look at the boxer's legacy. By combining rigorous physical training with deep personal research, the cast has aimed to present a multifaceted portrait of Muhammad Ali and the people who shaped his life.
