'Be Water': Release date, plot, trailer and all you need to know about ESPN's film that captures the defining years of Bruce Lee

The life of Bruce Lee was well charted over the years. He was rejected by Hollywood in 1971 and moved back to Hong Kong
(IMDB)
(IMDB)

'The Last Dance' may have ended its epic five-week run, but there is still good news for sports fans as it has moved up the timeline of its other anticipated docuseries. 'Be Water' from the 30 for 30 film that captures the defining years of martial arts icon, Bruce Lee will hit ESPN in June. Directed by Bao Nguyen, the series captures the legacy the legend left. Here's everything we know so far about 'Be Water'

Release Date

'Be Water' releases June 7, 9 pm ET on ESPN. 

Plot

The life of Bruce Lee was well charted over the years. He was rejected by Hollywood in 1971 and moved back to Hong Kong. However, he rose meteorically in the next few years as he made four blockbusters that would cement his name across the world. Tragedy struck when Lee died in 1973 and was just 32 at the time. 

According to ESPN, the logline says: "Be Water” is a gripping, fascinating, intimate look at not just those final, defining years of Lee’s life, but the complex, often difficult, and the seismic journey that led to Lee’s ultimate emergence as a singular icon in the histories of film, martial arts, and even the connection between the eastern and western worlds.

In addition, the film also gives the viewers a look at his earliest days including deep insight into his time as a fight choreographer and actor. The film also contains snippets by family, friends, and collaborators who knew Lee better. 

Writer/ Director

Bao Nguyen serves as the director.  Prior to this, he helmed 'We Gon’ Be Alright' based on the 2019 docuseries based on Jeff Chang's book of the same name. He also directed the docu-feature, 'Live From New York' that spoke about the rich history of the late-night sketch show. 

Trailer

Ahead of the film's release, ESPN released an exclusive sneak-peek of 'Be Water'. "I personally do not believe in the word 'Style', Lee says in a VO that while clips of his early days fill the screen. The scene then shifts to Muhammad Ali's famous bouts— something that Lee would always watch on videotape. According to his brother, what he would be studying was where the power would be coming from. 

If you like this, you'll love these:

'The Last Dance'

 'Celtics/Lakers: Best of Enemies'

'Lance'

'The Two Escobars' and

'Benji'

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

'The Pitt' Season 3 is currently in production and will return sometime in January 2027
6 hours ago
Several familiar TV stars were missing from the 2026 Emmys In Memoriam despite major tributes during the ceremony.
6 hours ago
‘Charlie’s Angels’ actress Farrah Fawcett passed away in 2009 after her battle with cancer
7 hours ago
Sally Field won in the ‘Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or TV Movie’ category for her work in ‘Remarkably Bright Creatures’
8 hours ago
There’s a very Taylor Swift-coded reason she was not present at the Emmys this time
8 hours ago
Matthew Rhys, Jean Smart, Rhea Seehorn and more were among the biggest winners across the 78th Emmy Awards
9 hours ago
The Emmys had a few surprise wins up their sleeve. Here are 7 biggest moments of the 2026 Emmys.
9 hours ago
‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ fan favorites came together on stage to present the award for Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie
10 hours ago
‘The Late Show’ was nominated alongside 'The Daily Show,' 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!,' 'Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,' and 'Saturday Night Live'
10 hours ago
Vince Gilligan just broke a streak that followed him for years
11 hours ago