Additional Coverage:
- Spike Lee says he won’t shop around his scrapped ESPN Colin Kaepernick doc: ‘That thing fell apart a year ago’ (businessinsider.com)
Spike Lee’s Colin Kaepernick Documentary Shelved
Filmmaker Spike Lee recently revealed that his ESPN docuseries on former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick was scrapped a year ago. While promoting his new film, “Highest 2 Lowest,” Lee confirmed the project’s demise, stating simply, “That thing fell apart a year ago.” He added that he only addressed the issue publicly because he was directly asked about it on a recent red carpet.
ESPN released a statement confirming the news, citing “creative differences” as the reason for the project’s termination. The network expressed appreciation for the work and collaboration invested in the film despite its ultimate cancellation.
Lee stated he has no intention of shopping the docuseries to other networks or streaming platforms. “I’ve moved on,” he explained.
The project, initially announced in 2020 with Lee joining in 2022, promised an in-depth look at Kaepernick’s life and career, featuring new interviews and previously unseen footage. Kaepernick’s kneeling protests during the national anthem sparked controversy and effectively ended his NFL career after the 2016 season.