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While Adam McKay is enjoying the success of his latest film "Don't Look Up," which earned four Academy Award nominations and is one of the most watched films on Netflix, he already has his next directorial project ready to go, though this one is for television. McKay directed every episode for the upcoming sports bio series "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty." Written by "Godzilla vs. Kong" screenwriter Max Borenstein (who co-created the show with Jim Hecht), the series follows the legendary "Showtime" Los Angeles Lakers basketball team of the 1980s, who won five NBA championships (out eight trips). The team was lead by the superstar duo of point guard Magic Johnson, the subject of an upcoming docuseries from Rick Famuyiwa, and sky hook master/star of "Airplane!" Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, creating one of the defining dynasties in the league's history.
This team that brought the glitz and glamor of Hollywood to basketball played a crucial role in the popularity of the sport today, and their story has the potential to make for some terrific TV drama (not to mention plenty of outrageous comedy). Here, we have the lowdown on everything you need to know about "Winning Time" before it debuts.
Winning Time Release Date And Where To Watch It
"Winning Time" is set to premiere on HBO on Sunday, March 6, 2022, and the season will consist of 10 episodes. Naturally, it will also be available to stream on HBO Max as well. As HBO tends to do with its premiere, high profile television shows, it is getting the same prime Sunday night spot previously held by "Game of Thrones" and now "Succession," another Adam McKay project. Considering the creative team involved, not to mention a subject matter ripe for attention, HBO is expecting "Winning Time" to be quite the big deal and a probable awards favorite. March is a perfect start time to be plunged directly into Emmy season, as the cutoff date for eligible shows is May 31, 2022. That would be just a couple weeks after the season finale airs, keeping the show right at the top of mind for voters.
Also like "Succession," it will be one of the rare television programs nowadays shot on film, primarily 16mm. Though not as outwardly vocal about celluloid as Quentin Tarantino or Christopher Nolan, Adam McKay has shot every film he has directed on film, with the exception of "Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues." For a television production to be afforded the opportunity to use actual film is incredibly rare, thus HBO instilling a lot of confidence in the project. So, March 6, 2022. Be there.
A Winning Cast For Winning Time
The big casting decision Adam McKay made was choosing John C. Reilly to play Lakers owner Jerry Buss. While a phenomenal actor who certainly deserves a meaty role like this, the choice was made at the expense of Will Ferrell, who broke off his partnership with McKay after not telling him he was passed over. The choice may have been a difficult one, but being one our great actors, I'm sure Reilly will push through and soar. Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will both be played by newcomers in Quincy Isaiah and Dr. Solomon Hughes, respectively. Jason Clarke steps into the shoes of Lakers general manager (and the silhouette for the NBA logo) Jerry West. Jason Segel will play Lakers coach Paul Westhead, who was quickly replaced by the now legendary coach Pat Riley (Adrien Brody).
The cast list continues to be filled with heavy hitters beyond those names. Sally Field, Gaby Hoffman, Tracy Letts, Julianne Nicholson, Gillian Jacobs, Molly Gordon, Michael Chiklis, Rob Morgan, and recent Tony winner Danny Burstein all play roles within the tapestry of the Los Angeles Lakers. Adam McKay sure knows how to bring in any big name he can. For a brief moment, we had the tantalizing prospect of Bo Burnham coming in to play Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird, but he dropped out of the project and was replaced with Sean Patrick Small.
Winning Time Trailer And Synopsis
Above, you can watch the trailer for "Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty," and below you can read the official synopsis via HBO.com:
HBO's 'Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty' is the fast-break new drama series that goes back in time to chronicle the professional and personal lives of the 1980s Los Angeles Lakers, one of sports' most revered and dominant dynasties.Based on Jeff Pearlman's book, 'Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers,' and executive produced by Adam McKay ('Succession,' 'Q: Into the Storm'), the show takes a look at a team that defined its era, both on and off the court.
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