LeBron James is teaming up with “Reservation Dogs” co-creator Sterlin Harjo and “Echo” director Sydney Freeland for a coming-of-age true story.
The trio are behind Netflix film “Rez Ball,” which will debut at TIFF 2024. “Rez Ball” follows New Mexico-based Native American high school basketball team the Chuska Warriors, who must pivot their game plan after losing their star player. Per the official logline, “the team must come together like never before to keep their state championship dreams alive.”
Freeland and Harjo co-wrote the script, with Freeland directing. NBA icon James produces through his Springhill Entertainment banner.
The cast includes Jessica Matten, Kauchani Bratt, Cody Lightning, Dallas Goldtooth, Ernest David Tsosie, Kusem Goodwind, Zoey Reyes, Amber Midthunder, and Julia Jones.
“Rez Ball” is produced by James, Katie Elmore, Maurício Mota, Spencer Beighley, Jamal Henderson, and Nancy Utley.
Actor/producer James produced fictionalized autobiographical feature “Shooting Stars” based on his own teen years for Peacock in 2023. And James isn’t the only NBA All-Star expanding his empire: Stephen Curry is set to make his acting debut in Peacock comedy “Mr. Throwback” from the team behind “Happy Endings.”
“Rez Ball” co-writer Harjo previously teased the film to IndieWire in 2023, after the series finale of “Reservation Dogs” aired. Among Harjo’s other projects include a potential other collaboration with Ethan Hawke, who guest starred in “Reservation Dogs,” and a “sprawling” Oklahoma-set series.
“I’m already ready to make stuff,” Harjo said at the time. “I have feature films in development, really excited about those. I have another show with Ethan Hawke that I might do and I’m hoping to do, and then there’s other shows outside of that. I’m producing shows, I’m EPing shows now at FX. There’s a project that I’m doing with Danis Goulet who directed ‘Mabel’ and ‘Deer Lady.’ She’s one of my best friends and a talented filmmaker and storyteller. That’s why I’m not super sad [about ‘Reservation Dogs’ ending], because I know what’s coming. We’re going to keep creating this this stuff, and I’m excited to share that with everyone.”
“Rez Ball” premieres September 27 on Netflix. Check out the trailer below.
