A+E adapts Ali, Malcolm X book

US producer and distributor A+E Studios is developing an eight-episode limited series that examines the friendship between boxer Muhammad Ali and activist Malcolm X.

Muhammad Ali in 1967

Blood Brothers (working title) is based on the non-fiction book Blood Brothers: The Fatal Friendship Between Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X by historians Johnny Smith and Randy Roberts.

It will track the relationship between the boxing legend and the human rights activist from its beginnings to its demise because of US sociopolitical tensions and divisions within the Nation of Islam, of which both men were members at one point.

The series is a joint venture with US prodcos Creative 7, Narrative Film Group and Raising Kane Films and will be written and executive produced by Charles Murray (Things Never Said, A Cold, Hard Truth).

The team of executive producers will also include Emmy-winning producer Shelby Stone (The Chi, Bessie), Derek Dudley (The Chi, Meet the Blacks), 10-time NBA All-Star, executive producer and philanthropist Carmelo Anthony (Universe, The Legend of Swee’ Pea) and Asani Swann (Universe, Carmelo Anthony: Made in New York).

Murray said: “From the moment I read the book, I wanted nothing more than to tell the story of these two legendary figures. It’s my plan to reach out to members of both families to create the most well-rounded show I can, and it’s my hope that the final product gives the audience insight that they hadn’t had.”