Apple on Friday announced that They Call Me Magic, a four-part documentary series based on the life and career of NBA Legend Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson, premieres April 22 on Apple TV+.
“They Call Me Magic” offers a rare glimpse into the incredible real-life story of Johnson, who left his mark on history through his work — both on and off the court — and continues to impact our culture today.
The series will bring Magic Johnson’s life on and off the basketball court to Apple TV+ subscribers across the globe, from his humble beginnings in Lansing, Michigan, to becoming a five-time NBA champion as part of the Los Angeles Lakers.
With unprecedented access, the project will also explore Johnson’s contributions to HIV awareness and his journey from NBA All-Star to a community activist and successful entrepreneur.
The documentary will feature “intimate interviews with Magic, his family, and an all-star lineup, as the docuseries charts the cinematic life of one of the biggest cultural icons of our era,” said Apple.
Apple acquired the rights to the then-untitled series in November of last year. They Call Me Magic is directed by Rick Famuyiwa (Dope), with editor Dirk Westervelt (Ford v. Ferrari), and cinematographer Rachel Morrison (Black Panther). The documentary is produced by XTR and New Slate Ventures, in association with H.Wood Media and Delirio Films.
They Call Me Magic joins the likes of several acclaimed and award-winning docuseries and documentaries on Apple TV+, including Emmy Award winner Boys State, Todd Haynes’s critically acclaimed documentary The Velvet Underground, the global hit documentary Billie Eilish: The World’s A Little Blurry, and more.
According to the Cupertino, California-based tech giant, “Apple Original films, documentaries and series have been honoured with more than 200 wins and 900 awards nominations in less than two years.”
