Movies about basketball players are all over the place. On one hand, yes, they can be Looney Tunes versions done just for cash grabs. On the other hand, they can be illuminating pieces of rock-solid storytelling.
The Last Dance, now streaming on Netflix, is a prime example of the latter.
And there’s every reason to believe the newly announced Underrated will be an example of the latter.
Underrated, will tell the story of Wardell Stephen Curry aka Steph Curry, so the raw material is already good.
A Stephen Curry documentary is in the works, per @A24
"Titled 'Underrated,' the film will chronicle Curry’s historic rise to prominence during March Madness when he played for Davidson." 🔥🍿 pic.twitter.com/SRiyo1nzpP
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 10, 2021
But the movie’s prospects are greatly helped by the production talents of Ryan Coogler, the writer and director behind hit movies like Black Panther, Fruitvale Station, and Creed. Coogler is a Bay Area native and he definitely isn’t afraid to show it.
The Shadow League Backstage: A Discussion with Director Ryan Coogler
His movie Fruitvale Station shined a light on one of the most despicable acts of police violence which led to the death of another Bay Area native Oscar Grant. Later on, he incorporated the city of Oakland into the global hit, Black Panther.
READ MORE: Fruitvale Station star Michael B. Jordan Wins Breakthrough Actor Award
Now, he’s shifted his attention to shining on the Bay Area’s adopted son, Steph Curry.
The movie “will chronicle Curry’s historic rise to prominence during March Madness when he starred for the Davidson Wildcats,” and of course when he went on to become a household name and the MVP of the NBA.
Curry burst onto the scene during March Madness in the 2007-08 NCAA Tournament by leading his underdog Davidson squad to the Elite 8, setting a single-season NCAA record for most three-pointers made.
This also marked the turning point where he distinguished himself as so much more than the son of sharp-shooting Dell Curry, who played 17 seasons in the NBA.
Steph Curry’s film is in good hands with Coogler, as he’s also produced films like Judas and the Black Messiah and Space Jam: A New Legacy.
There’s currently no word on a release date but I’m pretty sure we’ll be happy with the finished product when that time does come.
