Apple TV+ today unveiled a trailer for They Call Me Magic, a four-part docuseries looking at the life and career of Earvin “Magic” Johnson that recently debuted at the SXSW Film Festival, and will bow on the streamer on April 22.
The new series directed by Rick Famuyiwa (Dope) 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. It charts his journey from humble beginnings in Lansing, Michigan to becoming the face of the Los Angeles Lakers and cementing himself as an all-time NBA legend, to changing the conversation around HIV, and transforming into a successful entrepreneur and community activist.
They Call Me Magic features never-before-seen interviews not only with Johnson and his family, but also with notables including Cookie Johnson, EJ Johnson, Larry Bird, LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, former President Barack Obama, Fred Stabley Jr., Dwyane Wade, Jerry West and Michael Wilbon. It was produced for Apple by XTR and New Slate Ventures, in association with H.Wood Media and Delirio Films. Bryn Mooser exec produced with Christina Arquette, Jeremy Allen, Rafael Marmor and John Terzian.
Johnson’s time at the Lakers is also being reexamined of late by way of the HBO series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty exec produced by Adam McKay, which is based on the book Showtime: Magic, Kareem, Riley, and the Los Angeles Lakers Dynasty of the 1980s by Jeff Pearlman. Check out the trailer for They Call Me Magic by clicking above.
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