Apple TV+ released the trailer for their upcoming four-part documentary event – “They Call Me Magic”. The trailer was dropped ahead of docuseries making its debut at the 2022 SXSW Film festival in Austin, Texas. Its global premiere is on Friday April 22 on Apple TV+.
They Call Me Magic is a documentary on the life and career of Earvin “Magic” Johnson. It offers a glimpse into the real-life story of Johnson. The series features never-before-seen interviews with Magic, his family, and an all-star lineup including Cookie Johnson, EJ Johnson, Larry Bird, LL Cool J, Snoop Dogg, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neil, former President Barack Obama, Fred Stabley Jr., Dwayne Wade, Jerry West, Michael Wilbon and more.
As the trailer shows, the docuseries will explore Magic’s days at the Los Angeles Lakers and how he was forced to retire due to being infected with HIV. The series also chronicles his entrepreneurial career post retirement including the community work carried out by him. The show is directed by Rick Famuyiwa (Dope, The Mandalorian).
HBO, on the other hand, has a scripted show on the LA Lakers – Adam McKay directed Winning Time – which premiered recently on March 06, 2022. It is based on the 1980’s La Lakers basketball team, in which Magic Johnson was a key player. However, Magic is not involved with the project and has said that he has no intention of watching it. He argues that “it’s hard to duplicate” the team’s 1980s Showtime era on the screen without the input from those who were part of the storied group.
Check out the trailer of “They Call Me Magic” below: