In a new documentary from Prime Video Sports, the remarkable life of NBA champion Giannis Antetokounmpo takes center stage. The trailer for 'Giannis: The Marvelous Journey,' exclusively shared by PEOPLE, provides a glimpse into the ups and downs faced by this extraordinary athlete. Throughout the film, Giannis and his family recount their experiences, including a heartbreaking moment that almost led him to abandon basketball altogether.
In 2017, Giannis's father, Charles Antetokounmpo, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack in Milwaukee. The loss was devastating for the then 22-year-old star, who found himself contemplating quitting the sport he loved. 'I said, 'I don't want to play no more,'' Giannis admits in the trailer. Even his fiancée, Mariah Riddlesprigger, thought that his basketball career was over. Nevertheless, Giannis found the strength within to persevere.
Rather than allowing grief to consume him, Giannis channeled his emotions into fuel to become one of the most dominant basketball players in the world. 'We're all going to die one day, so go conquer the world,' he reflects in the trailer, demonstrating his resilience and determination.
This Prime Video documentary chronicles Giannis's incredible journey from a challenging childhood in Greece as the son of Nigerian immigrants to reaching the pinnacle of basketball success. Giannis's parents, Charles and Veronica Antetokounmpo, made the courageous decision to leave Nigeria for Greece in search of a better life for their children. However, Greece presented its own set of challenges, including discrimination and difficulties in adapting to a new culture.
Giannis's brothers, Thanasis, Kostas, and Alex Antetokounmpo, share their perspective on living as immigrants in Greece, describing a constant undercurrent of fear. Giannis, always protective of his family, drove himself to succeed, striving to provide the best for his loved ones. 'You want the best for your brothers,' he tearfully expresses in the trailer. Behind his extraordinary athletic abilities lies a hardworking individual who is driven by the fear of losing everything he has achieved.
Before even contemplating playing professionally, Giannis and his brothers would frequent a local internet cafe in Greece. There, they discovered and would watch highlights of NBA stars like Kevin Durant and LeBron James, who would later become his opponents on the court. Interestingly, Giannis's brother Thanasis also currently plays for the Milwaukee Bucks.
In 2021, Giannis led the Milwaukee Bucks to their first NBA championship in 50 years, solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats in basketball history. 'The difference between a coward and a hero... it's how you deal with fear,' Giannis states passionately in the trailer, encapsulating his journey and determination to overcome obstacles.
'Giannis: The Marvelous Journey' is a significant milestone for the Antetokounmpo family as it marks the first time they will share their firsthand accounts of their collective journey. The documentary includes interviews with former and current NBA stars, such as Jason Kidd, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday, Kenny Smith, Vin Baker, and Ernie Johnson, who provide additional insights into Giannis's incredible rise.
Prepare to be inspired by the incredible resilience and unwavering spirit of Giannis Antetokounmpo as 'Giannis: The Marvelous Journey' premieres on Prime Video on February 19. This captivating documentary sheds light on the struggles, triumphs, and the indomitable human spirit that has propelled Giannis to greatness.
