Producers Behind Will Smith's Oscar Winning 'King Richard' Set to Return for A Kobe Bryant Feature 

Published 08/22/2025, 9:53 PM EDT

Kobe Bryant's indelible mark on basketball and culture transcends mere statistics, embodying a relentless spirit known as the Mamba Mentality. His unwavering dedication to excellence inspired millions worldwide, creating a legacy that continues to resonate far beyond the courts. Now, whispers of cinematic endeavors further cement his iconic status, with producers renowned for bringing compelling true stories to the screen poised to craft a nuanced portrayal of a pivotal chapter in his journey.

The enduring impact of Kobe Bryant's career continues to captivate audiences and storytellers.

A Kobe Bryant feature, not in the court

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The acclaimed production team responsible for the Oscar-winning biographical drama King Richard, starring Will Smith, is now embarking on a feature film centered on Kobe Bryant. This new film project, With the 8th Pick, will explore the behind-the-scenes drama of the 1996 NBA draft. Written by Alex Sohn and Gavin Johannsen, the screenplay focuses on the events that led to Kobe Bryant's selection. The story will delve into the negotiations and decisions that could have altered basketball history. It has been picked up by Warner Bros., though a director is not yet confirmed.

The involvement of such celebrated producers signals a commitment to storytelling excellence. The upcoming film will present the story from the perspective of John Nash, the General Manager of the New Jersey Nets, and the team's new coach, John Calipari. Both men were determined to draft Kobe Bryant, a player they believed would be a franchise-altering talent. 

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While the NBA court is always full of drama, the sport's dramatic moments and compelling personalities have long inspired powerful storytelling on screen.

Other notable NBA-themed films to explore

For those captivated by the world of basketball on screen, several other films offer compelling narratives. Hoosiers remains a classic, depicting an underdog high school team's improbable journey to championship glory. Documentaries like The Last Dance provide an in-depth look into the legendary career of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls dynasty.

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Further expanding the genre, Coach Carter presents a powerful story about discipline and academic achievement within basketball. Meanwhile, the original Space Jam offers a unique blend of animation and live-action, featuring NBA stars in a fantastical setting. These diverse offerings capture various facets of the game's rich history and cultural impact. Apart from these, there are various sports docuseries Netflix offers that can be watched while one waits for the upcoming feature film.

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Are you excited for the new feature film? Let us know in the comments below.

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Soma Mitra

245 articles

Soma is a journalist at Netflix Junkie. With a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication, she brings production experience from documentary films like Chandua: Stories on Fabric. Covering the true crime and docu-drama beat, she turns psychological thrillers into sharp, audience-aware storytelling.

Edited By: Itti Mahajan

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