Disney Signs Colin Kaepernick To Make TV Shows and Movies Based on Racial Issues

Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback and current National Anthem protester Colin Kaepernick has signed with The Walt Disney Company to make shows and an ESPN documentary about his life.

The first-look deal between Walt Disney and Kapernick’s Ra Vision Media production company will include the ESPN Film project as well as "scripted and unscripted stories that deal with race, social injustice and the quest for equity."

Those possible shows, movies, and documentaries could be featured on any of Disney's companies, which include Walt Disney Television, ESPN, Hulu, Pixar and The Undefeated, an ESPN media outlet that covers race in sports. Kaepernick will reportedly work closely on the projects.

“I am excited to announce this historic partnership with Disney across all of its platforms to elevate Black and Brown directors, creators, storytellers, and producers, and to inspire the youth with compelling and authentic perspectives,” Kaepernick said in a press release. “I look forward to sharing the docuseries on my life story, in addition to many other culturally impactful projects we are developing.”

The announcement comes just days after Kaepernick tweeted that the 4th of July was a celebration of white supremacy.

Black ppl have been dehumanized, brutalized, criminalized + terrorized by America for centuries, & are expected to join your commemoration of “independence”, while you enslaved our ancestors. We reject your celebration of white supremacy & look forward to liberation for all. ✊🏾 pic.twitter.com/YCD2SYlgv4

— Colin Kaepernick (@Kaepernick7) July 4, 2020

Kaepernick also announced that former ESPN anchor Jemele Hill would serve as a producer on his ESPN documentary.

Hill parted ways with ESPN after a number of political controversies, including saying President Donald Trump was a white supremacist in a tweet. She also called on advertisers to boycott the Dallas Cowboys after owner Jerry Jones said he would not support players kneeling during the National Anthem.

Kaepernick has also recently joined the board of directors of media website Medium.

“Colin has had a singular path as both an athlete and an activist, and, as the nation continues to confront racism and social injustice," ESPN president Jimmy Piatro said. "It feels particularly relevant to hear Colin’s voice on his evolution and motivations.”

Disney executive chairman Bob Iger was enthusiastic about Kaepernick joining Disney. He claimed the former quarterback has “a unique perspective on the intersection of sports, culture and race, which will undoubtedly create compelling stories that will educate, enlighten and entertain, and we look forward to working with him on this important collaboration.”

H/T: Variety