In a recent announcement, it has been revealed that Don Cheadle is set to join the star-studded cast of the upcoming limited true crime series 'Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist.' This thrilling series, which will be available on Peacock, features an impressive lineup, including lead actor Kevin Hart, as well as Taraji P. Henson, Samuel L. Jackson, Terrence Howard, and Dexter Darden.
'Fight Night' is based on a popular podcast of the same name, produced by Will Packer in collaboration with iHeartPodcasts and Doghouse Pictures. The story is set in Atlanta in 1970 and will recount the infamous tale of how an armed robbery during Muhammad Ali's historic 1970 comeback fight not only changed the life of one man but also altered the destiny of an entire city.
Don Cheadle will be taking on the role of JD Hudson, a series regular character described as one of Atlanta's first Black detectives assigned to Ali's security detail and the investigation of the robbery. Cheadle's addition to the cast brings an extra layer of excitement, as he has a history of working with several members of the ensemble. Notably, both Cheadle and Samuel L. Jackson have shared the screen in multiple films within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, including their recent collaboration in the Disney+ series 'Secret Invasion.' Moreover, Cheadle and Taraji P. Henson previously acted alongside each other in the 2007 film 'Talk to Me.'
Interestingly, Cheadle replaced Terrence Howard in the role of Col. James Rhodes in the MCU, making their collaboration in 'Fight Night' particularly noteworthy. Fans of Cheadle's work may also recall his infamous appearance on Kevin Hart's Peacock talk show, 'Hart to Heart,' where the two engaged in a humorous discussion about Cheadle's age.
Beyond his connections to the cast, Don Cheadle boasts an impressive acting resume. He received critical acclaim and award nominations for his role in 'Hotel Rwanda,' including an Oscar and Golden Globe nomination. He has also made memorable appearances in the 'Ocean's 11' franchise, 'Crash,' and 'Miles Ahead.' Television audiences might recognize Cheadle from his starring roles in series such as 'House of Lies' and 'Black Monday.'
The creative team behind 'Fight Night' is helmed by creator Shaye Ogbonna, who is also serving as showrunner alongside Jason Horwitch. Executive producers include Kevin Hart, Bryan Smiley, and Mike Stein for Hartbeat; Will Packer and Sabrina Wind for Will Packer Media; Conal Byrne and Carrie Lieberman for iHeartPodcasts; and Jeff Keating of Doghouse Pictures LLC and Lars Jacobson. Additionally, Craig Brewer, known for his work on movies like 'Hustle & Flow,' will direct the first two and last two episodes. Co-executive producers include Tiffany Brown, Erika Johnson, and Kenny Burns, while UTV is serving as the studio for the series.
With the addition of Don Cheadle to the cast, 'Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist' continues to build excitement among fans. Set in an intriguing time period and featuring an incredible ensemble, this Peacock limited true crime series promises to deliver an enthralling and gripping story. Stay tuned for more updates as production progresses and we get closer to its release date.
