“Using extensive new interviews and a vast never-before-seen archive that documents his last five years, Kaepernick will tell his story from his perspective,” Disney said in a statement. The company did not announce when the series would air.
The deal reaches across Disney’s platforms, including Walt Disney Television, ESPN, Hulu, The Undefeated, and its digital animation studio, Pixar.
“During this unprecedented time, The Walt Disney Company remains committed to creating diverse and inclusive content that resonates and matters,” Bob Iger, Disney’s executive chairman, said in a statement. “Colin’s experience gives him a unique perspective on the intersection of sports, culture and race, which will undoubtedly create compelling stories that will educate, enlighten and entertain, and we look forward to working with him on this important collaboration.”
Kaepernick is excited to announce the “historic partnership” with Disney to “elevate Black and Brown directors, creators, storytellers, and producers, and to inspire the youth with compelling and authentic perspectives,” he said in a statement.
For Disney, the partnership opens space for the company to address race and work with more diverse voices with the help of Kaepernick. The announcement comes after weeks of national protests across the country following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died at the hands of police officers in Minnesota.
The Kaepernick docuseries would also allow Disney and ESPN to create a film about one of most interesting and talked about athletes of the last decade.
The former athlete has been growing his media business in recent weeks.
He hasn’t played football since 2017 after kneeling during the national anthem to draw attention to social justice issues and police brutality.
“Well, listen, if he wants to resume his career in the NFL, then obviously it’s going to take a team to make that decision,” Goodell said. “But I welcome that, support a club making that decision and encourage them to do that.”