LeBron James has signed on to executive produce the new Disney XD series, Becoming. James will be the subject of the pilot episode, which airs on October 26 at 8 p.m. EST. In addition to telling King James’ story, the half-hour kids program will profile a number of top athletes and their inspirational journeys. Here’s more from the official press release:
Worldwide basketball star LeBron James and business partner Maverick Carter are set to executive-produce ESPN Films’ and Disney XD’s new special “Becoming,” a half-hour show for kids and families profiling the inspirational journeys of today’s top athletes. “Becoming” will debut SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney XD and is in development for an ongoing series. Produced in association with ESPN Films and LeBron James’ Springhill Production Company, the pilot will tell the story of the NBA champion’s trajectory to the top and reflect the spirit of his accomplishments including some of the most defining and triumphant moments of his life.
“I’m really excited about helping develop ‘Becoming’ and bringing this kind of program to kids,” said LeBron James. “Sports and athletes were my inspiration growing up. It was the stories about Michael Jordan, Deion Sanders, and Allen Iverson that kept me dreaming. When I learned that they had some of the same struggles and challenges I did, it made everything seem possible. That’s what ‘Becoming’ is all about.”
Filmed in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, the “Becoming” pilot takes a stroll down memory lane with the Cleveland Cavaliers forward through rarely seen footage from his earliest days in sports including the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) where James played youth basketball for the Northeast Ohio Shooting Stars, as well as his record-setting days at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School where he garnered worldwide attention. James, along with those close to him including lifelong friends, mentors, teammates and former coaches, will share candid memories with his young fans during the special.
“Becoming” is executive-produced by James and Maverick Carter of Springhill Production Company along with John Dahl, Libby Geist and Connor Schell, the creative team behind ESPN’s Peabody and Emmy Award-winning “30 for 30” series. “Becoming” is produced by Gentry Kirby and Erin Leyden.
