Disney and Brittney Griner Strike Partnership to Tell Her Story Via ESPN, ABC News, Scripted Series
variety.comBrian Steinberg Senior TV Editor Disney wants to get into the Brittney Griner business. The inspirational WNBA All-Star, who was arrested and held in Russia in 2022 and sentenced to nine years in prison, will give Disney the exclusive rights 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.
Griner’s wife, Cherelle Griner, will also serve 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, content, 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.” Disney has tried to spotlight athletes with stirring stories in the past.
In 2020, the company struck a first-look deal with former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick to tell of his journey from the San Francisco 49ers to activism.
The pact called for a documentary series developed by ESPN Films as well as a production deal that was 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.
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