Movies

'Rise': Disney+ to explore Giannis Antetokounmpo's family, history in new film

By Wade Sheridan   |   Oct. 20, 2021 at 1:32 PM
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo will have his family and life explored in a new Disney+ film titled "Rise." The film will also follow his brothers Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Kostas Antetokounmpo. File Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/EPA-EFE Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo celebrates with the MVP trophy at the conclusion of Game 6 in the 2021 NBA Finals on July 20, 2021. File Photo by Tannen Maury/EPA-EFE Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo attends the 3rd annual NBA Awards on June 24, 2019. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo reacts during the first half of a game against the Miami Heat on Aug. 6, 2020. File Photo by Erik S. Lesser/EPA-EFE Milwaukee Bucks forward and Team LeBron member Giannis Antetokounmpo holds the MVP trophy after winning the 2021 NBA All-Star Game on March 7, 2021. File Photo by Butch Dill/EPA-EFE

Oct. 20 (UPI) -- A new film about the true story behind NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo and his brothers Thanasis Antetokounmpo and Kostas Antetokounmpo, titled Rise, is in development at Disney+.

The film will follow the Antetokounmpo family as they arrive in Greece from Nigeria and find basketball. The family struggled to obtain Greek citizenship with Giannis entering the NBA Draft in 2013 as a long shot prospect.

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Giannis, Thanasis and Kostas Antetokounmpo are all NBA champions. Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo won their first NBA Championship in July for the Milwaukee Bucks while Kostas Antetokounmpo won the title last year as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Real-life brothers Uche Agada and Ral Agada will portray young Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo with Jaden Osimuwa and Elijah Shomanke portraying their brothers Kostas and Alex Antetokounmpo, respectively.

Dayo Okeniyi and Yetide Badaki will star as parents Charles and Vera, respectively. Co-stars include Manish Dayal, Taylor Nichols, Maximiliano Hernandez, Eddie Cahill, Pilar Holland and McColm Kona Cephas Jr.

Akin Omotoso (Vaya) is directing with Giannis Antetokounmpo serving as executive producer.

Rise will come to Disney+ in 2022.

"I am thrilled and honored that Disney+ is brining my family's story to people all over the world. My hope is that it will inspire those in similar circumstances to keep faith, stay true to their goals and not to give up on striving for a better life," Giannis Antetokounmpo said in a statement.