Disney+ has dropped the first look for Rise (fka Greek Freak), the upcoming film on NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers, including fellow NBA stars Thanasis and Kostas Antetokounmpo.
The film stars real-life brotherrs Uche Agada and Ral Agada who will portray young Giannis and Thanasis. Jaden Osimuwa and Elijah Shomanke will play their two brothers, Kostas and Alex.
Dayo Okeniyi and Yetide Badaki will play as their parents Charles and Vera, with Manish Dayal as Giannis’ tenacious agent Kevin and Taylor Nichols as John Hammond, general manager of the Milwaukee Bucks. Also starring are Maximiliano Hernandez, Eddie Cahill, Pilar Holland and McColm Kona Cephas Jr.
Per the official description, “audiences will witness how one family’s vision, determination and faith lifted them out of obscurity to launch the career of three NBA champions—two-time MVP Giannis and his brothers, Thanasis and Kostas. Last season, Giannis and Thanasis helped bring the Bucks their first championship ring in 50 years, while Kostas played for the previous season champs, the Lakers.”
The film is directed by Akin Omotoso with Bernie Goldmann producing and Giannis Antetokounmpo executive producing. Co-producers are Andreas Dimitriou and Michael Foutras.
Here’s more on the film 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.
“I am thrilled and honored that Disney+ is bringing my family’s story to people all over the world,” said Giannis Antetokounmpo in a statement. 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.”
Uche Agada saw Giannis’ post on Instagram about the movie’s casting call and how they were looking for someone new and fresh. After asking for time off for auditions, he landed the role and filmmakers suggested having his brother audition for Thiiannis.
The film will hit Disney+ in 2022.
