Celebrity1 min(s) read
Published 17:06 07 Jul 2020 GMT
Per PEOPLE, following the announcement of his upcoming Netflix docuseries, erstwhile NFL quarterback and activist, Colin Kaepernick has another project in the pipeline.
The publication details that a statement reveals that Kaepernick and Disney have agreed to a multi-platform first-look deal to tell "scripted and unscripted stories that explore race, social injustice, and the quest for equity". As well as this, the projects will "provide a new platform to showcase the work of Black and Brown directors and producers."
The first project in the new partnership will be an ESPN Films docuseries on Kaepernick's story and journey.
According to Disney, as reported by PEOPLE, "Kaepernick will tell his story from his perspective [...] Using extensive new interviews and a vast never-before-seen archive that documents his last five years." The Netflix series, on the other hand, will be focusing on his high school years.
Back in 2016, during the 49ers third preseason game, Kaepernick was seen sitting down during the national anthem, instead of standing. In a post-game interview, he explained the reason for his choice, stating "I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of colour."
"To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder," he continued, alluding to the number of African-American people who have died at the hands of law enforcement, and the Black Lives Matter movement which was subsequently set in motion.
[[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/CCUHcRqDBVk/]]
In ensuing preseason games, the 32-year-old opted to kneel during the Star-Spangled Banner. The NFL has since been accused of blackballing the football player as he has remained unsigned after becoming a free agent following the 2016 season.
In a statement regarding his collaboration with Disney, Kaepernick said: "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. "I look forward to sharing the docuseries on my life story, in addition to many other culturally impactful projects we are developing."
