As far as inspiring NBA stories go, few rivals that of the Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, hence why Disney has seen fit to give the basketballer’s life the biopic treatment with Rise.
Depicting both the Greek Freak and his brothers Thanasis and Kostas’ incredible journey from being the stateless children of Nigerian immigrants barely making ends meet in Athens to becoming history’s very first trio of NBA championship title-winning siblings, this one has all the hallmarks of a future Disney classic.
Uche Agada takes the lead as Giannis Antetokounmpo, with Ral Agada appearing as Athanasios “Thanasis” Antetokounmpo, Jaden Osimuwa as Kostantinos “Kostas” Antetokounmpo, Elijah Shomanke as Alexandros “Alex” Antetokounmpo, Anthony Abiola as Francis Antetokounmpo, Yetide Badaki as Veronica Antetokounmpo, Dayo Okeniyi as Charles Antetokounmpo, Manish Dayal as Giannis’ talent agent Kevin, and Taylor Nichols as Milwaukee Bucks General Manager John Hammond.
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“I am thrilled and honoured that Disney+ is bringing my family’s story to people all over the world,” says Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has served as an executive producer for his own biopic alongside Bernie Goldmann and director Akin Omotoso.
“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.”
At the age of just 27, aside from being the signee to one of the richest NBA contracts ever, Giannis Antetokounmpo is already a five-time All-Star, two-time MVP, Finals MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and of course, NBA Champion.
Rise – the Giannis Antetokounmpo biopic – is scheduled to begin streaming on Disney+ from June 24th.
Check out the first trailer above and the synopsis below.
After emigrating to Greece from Nigeria, Vera and Charles Antetokounmpo struggled to survive and provide for their five children while living under the daily threat of deportation. With their oldest son still in Nigeria with relatives, the couple were desperate to obtain Greek citizenship but found themselves undermined by a system that blocked them at every turn. When they weren't selling items to tourists on the streets of Athens with the rest of the family, encouraged by their father, the brothers would sneak away to play basketball with a local youth team. Latecomers to the sport, they discovered their great abilities on the basketball court and worked hard to become world-class athletes. With the help of an agent, Giannis entered the NBA draft in 2013 in a long-shot prospect that would change not only his life but the life of his entire family.
