Emmy-nominated filmmaker Brett Rapkin has teamed up with eight-time NBA All-Star Steve Nash and his Meathawk Productions to fast-track a feature film detailing the brilliant yet tragic life and career of NBA Hall of Famer “Pistol” Pete Maravich, TheWrap has learned.
Rapkin recently optioned Maravich’s life rights from his estate under his Podium Pictures banner and has begun writing the screenplay. Nash will produce with Rob Goodrich, Ezra Holland and George Roy.
“Pistol” Pete Maravich was a brilliant scorer and playmaker who was pressured by his basketball coach father to become the first million-dollar athlete. During a legendary career playing for his father at Louisiana State University, he broke Oscar Robertson’s all-time scoring record, averaging a staggering 44.2 points a game without the benefit of a three-point line. Maravich finished his college career with 3,667 points — a mark that stands to this day.
During an impressive NBA career marred by injuries and losing seasons, he struggled with alcoholism and personal tragedy, including the suicide of his mother. After retiring from the NBA, Maravich teetered on the edge of sanity, building underground bomb shelters and studying Ufology. His life dramatically changed when he placed his faith in God and finally found peace and forgiveness with his father. Maravich died suddenly and tragically at the age of 40 while playing in a pickup basketball game.
“Pete is one of my favorite players of all time. I truly admired him and wanted to be more like him. I think we have a great team in place to tell his story in a genuine and heartfelt way that would give this legend the spotlight he deserves and tell a younger generation all about the genius he was,” said Nash.
Production is slated to start next year in Louisiana, longtime home to the Maravich family.
Rapkin recently wrote and directed the upcoming feature film “Spaceman” starring Josh Duuhamel as MLB pitcher Bill ‘Spaceman’ Lee.
Nash is a budding filmmaker in his own right, having co-directed the Terry Fox documentary “Into the Wind” with Holland for ESPN’s acclaimed “30 for 30” series.