Kobe Bryant Documentary Headed to Showtime

Kobe Bryant is getting the spotlight on Showtime.

Kobe Bryant’s Muse, a feature-length documentary centered on the Los Angeles Lakers’ star, will air this fall on the pay cabler.

The wide-ranging documentary is being billed as an “in-depth look” at Bryant’s life, inspirations and challenges as he prepares for his return to the NBA next season. Kobe Bryant’s Muse will also highlight Bryant’s successes and challenges during his professional life and bring to light lesser-known aspects of his career. He also contemplates life after sports. Though no specifics were given, Showtime promises that Bryant’s “personal journey” also will be detailed.

Gotham Chopra (Decoding Deepak, ESPN’s 30 for 30 film The Little Master) is directing the documentary, currently in production in Los Angeles. Bryant and Chopra are executive producers with Mamba Media.

“Kobe Bryant’s Muse will offer viewers a deep character portrait of a professional athlete who has transcended his sport to become a culture-moving personality,” said Stephen Espinoza, executive vp and GM, Showtime Sports. “We are thrilled that Kobe has given us this unprecedented access, which will allow our viewers to witness such a challenging period of time in the life of one of the NBA’s greatest players.”

“As a lifelong Boston Celtics fan, never did I imagine I would collaborate with Laker great Kobe Bryant,” said Chopra. “Kobe’s quest for greatness transcends rivalries, and I’m excited by his and Showtime’s willingness to go down this rabbit hole together. I’m confident audiences will be intrigued by what comes out the other side.”

Bryant, a 16-time All-Star and five-time NBA champion, has been sidelined for much of the 2013-14 season due to an injury to his left knee.

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