A highly anticipated documentary series on Colin Kaepernick, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Spike Lee, has been officially shelved after nearly three years in development. Both Lee and ESPN confirmed over the weekend that the multi-part series would no longer move forward, citing creative differences between the parties involved.
“ESPN, Colin Kaepernick and Spike Lee have collectively decided to no longer proceed with this project as a result of certain creative differences,” the network said in a statement to Reuters. “Despite not reaching finality, we appreciate all the hard work and collaboration that went into this film.” Lee, who was approached about the project in 2022, confirmed the news while attending a charity event in Beverly Hills, telling reporters: “It’s not coming out. That’s all I can say,” before adding that he was bound by a nondisclosure agreement.
The series was originally promoted as a “full, first-person account” of Kaepernick’s life and activism, with extensive interviews planned with the former NFL quarterback. Kaepernick, who played for the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2016, made history in 2016 when he began kneeling during the national anthem to protest systemic racism and police brutality. The demonstration sparked a nationwide movement while drawing sharp criticism, including from then-President Donald Trump. Kaepernick has not played in the NFL since that season and later settled a collusion grievance against league owners in 2019.
While the specifics of the disagreements remain unclear, reports last year suggested clashes between Kaepernick and Lee over the direction of the project. ESPN executives had reportedly even considered allowing the filmmakers to shop the series elsewhere. As of now, Kaepernick has offered no public comment on the project’s collapse, leaving uncertain whether the story of his groundbreaking protest will find a new platform in the future.
Source: Reuters
