Mike Tyson Blasts Production of ‘Iron Mike’: Limited Series from Hulu

Words by: Sentwali Holder

Hulu has announced Iron Mike, an 8-episode scripted limited series and Mike Tyson is blasting production on what he calls an authorized project based on his life.

The limited series is from the same team behind critically acclaimed I, Tonya, the biopic starring Magot Robbie based on embattled ice skater Tonya Harding.

Set by 20th television and created by I, Tonya writer Steven Rogers with Star and mixed-ish’s Karin Gist as showrunner, the series will “explore the wild, tragic and controversial life and career behind one of the most polarizing figures in sports culture – heavyweight champion Mike Tyson.’ 

Tyson issued a statement to The Hollywood Reporter about Iron Mike’s production:

“Hulu’s announcement to do an unauthorized miniseries of my life, although unfortunate, isn’t surprising. This announcement on the heels of social disparities in our country is a prime example of how Hulu’s corporate greed led to this tone-deaf cultural misappropriation of my life story. To make this announcement during Black History Month only confirms Hulu’s concern for dollars over respect for Black story rights. Hollywood needs to be more sensitive to Black experiences especially after all that has transpired in 2020. My authorized story is in development and will be announced in coming days.”

The boxer was the focus of a 1995 film, Tyson, where he was played by Michael Jai White. Jamie Foxx is also on deck to star as the former boxing champion in an upcoming biopic. Gist will executive produce with Claire Brown under The Gist Of It. The I, Tonya team of Rogers, director Craig Gillespie, Clubhouse Pictures’ Bryan Unkeless and Scott Morgan, LuckyChap’s Margot Robbie, Tom Ackerley and Brett Hedblom and Entertainment 360’s Darin Friedman.