'Rise': 5 things you need to know about Disney+ sports biopic
The Antetokounmpo brothers -- Giannis, Thanasis, and Kostas -- are one of the nine sets of siblings in the NBA. However, their respective journeys to the professional basketball league weren't similar to those that most players embarked on. In many ways, they are one of a kind, which makes their tales worth sharing with the world. Disney+ is the medium through which their stories are going to be told, with the collective title being 'Rise'.
The upcoming sports biographical drama is based on the lives of the Antetokounmpo brothers and will focus on how they found solace and eventual fortune in basketball. You could also take a look at 'Winning Time' and 'Gensan Punch', if you're interested in other biographical films and series.
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When and how can you watch 'Rise'?
The film is slated to release exclusively on Disney+ on June 24, 2022.
What is 'Rise' all about?
The synopsis, according to Disney's press release, reads, "After emigrating from Nigeria to Greece, Charles and Vera Antetokounmpo (Dayo Okeniyi and Yetide Badaki, respectively) struggled to survive and provide for their five children, while living under the daily threat of deportation. With their oldest son still in Nigeria with relatives, the couple were desperate to obtain Greek citizenship but found themselves undermined by a system that blocked them at every turn. When they weren’t selling items to tourists on the streets of Athens with the rest of the family, the brothers – Giannis (Uche Agada) and Thanasis (Ral Agada) – would play basketball with a local youth team. Latecomers to the sport, they discovered their great abilities on the basketball court and worked hard to become world-class athletes, along with brother, Kostas (Jaden Osimuwa). With the help of an agent, Giannis entered the NBA Draft in 2013 in a long-shot prospect that would change not only his life but the life of his entire family. And last season, Giannis and Thanasis helped bring the Milwaukee Bucks their first championship ring in 50 years, while Kostas played for the previous season champs, the Los Angeles Lakers."
Who stars in 'Rise'?
Dayo Okeniyi will be seen as Charles Antetokounmpo in the Disney+ sports drama. He is a Nigerian-American actor who holds a degree in visual communications from Anderson University in Indiana. Before his debut as Thresh in the 2012 Jennifer Lawrence starrer 'The Hunger Games', Okeniyi worked in local theater and was a part of short films. He is also known for his roles in 'Runner, Runner', 'Endless Love', and 'Terminator Genisys'.
Other actors who are a part of 'Rise' are Uche Agada, Ral Agada, Jaden Osimuwa, Elijah Shomanke, Anthony Abiola, Yetide Badaki, Manish Dayal, and Taylor Nichols.
Creators
'Rise' is directed by Akin Omotoso and is based on a script written by Arash Amel. The film is produced by Bernie Goldmann. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Douglas S Jones serve as executive producers.
Trailer