The extraordinary story behind the friendship of two of the most iconic figures of the 20th century is finally being told on the big screen. Netflix is behind the new Kenya Barris-produced (“Blackish“) documentary, “Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali,” focusing on the three years that Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali spent forging their brotherhood before their ultimate falling-out.
Directed by Marcus A. Clarke (“Unsolved Mysteries,” “Rapture“), the new documentary is directly inspired by the book “Blood Brothers” written by Randy Roberts and Johnny Smith. Producers include Jason Perez and a heap of executive producers such as Erynn Sampson, Jonathan Chinn, Simon Chinn, Simon George, and Marcus A. Clarke.
“Blood Brothers” features interviews from many of those closest to the pair, such as Malcolm X’s daughter Ilyasah Shabazz, Ali’s brother Rahman Ali, daughters Maryum Ali and Hana Ali — and cultural luminaries such as Cornel West and Al Sharpton. Giving more of a personal touch to their stories.
Here is the official synopsis from Netflix:
“‘Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali‘ traces the near-simultaneous and symbiotic rise of the charismatic and outspoken Olympic champion who charmed the nation and the ex-con-turned intellectual revolutionary who railed against oppression.”
“For three pivotal years, Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X forged a brotherhood that would not only change both men but change the world. The film illuminates their meeting, bonding, and eventual falling out over discord within the leadership of the Nation of Islam. Along with offering a fresh perspective of events by utilizing family members, insider voices, and never-before-seen footage to explore this most complex of friendships.”
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The larger-than-life Black icon’s lives had been previously immortalized in big Hollywood films such as Spike Lee‘s “Malcolm X” and Michael Mann‘s “Ali,” but this documentary obviously centers on less flashy elements of their lives and likely something more intimate about their friendship, bond, and split.
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“Blood Brothers: Malcolm X & Muhammad Ali” drops September 9 on Netflix.