Mike Tyson Calls for Hulu Boycott Over “Unauthorized” ‘Iron Mike’ Adaptation

Mike Tyson has found a new sparring partner. Shortly after Hulu announced that it will be adapting Tyson’s life into a new limited series, Iron Mike, the legendary boxer issued a statement claiming that he was not consulted on the project and called for fans to boycott Hulu over its “tone-deaf cultural misappropriation” of his life story.

During its Thursday afternoon presentation at the 2021 Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour, Hulu announced that it has ordered Iron Mike, an eight-episode limited series about Mike Tyson. From the team behind I, Tonya, Iron Mike “explores the wild, tragic and controversial life and career behind one of the most polarizing figures in sports culture,” reveals the Disney-owned streamer. Tyson is not listed as a producer or consultant on the series, but according to The Hollywood Reporter, Hulu executives discussed the series with Tyson and his team a few months ago.

However, Tyson disputed this series of events in a statement provided to THR Thursday evening. “Hulu’s announcement to do an unauthorized miniseries of my life, although unfortunate, isn’t surprising,” said the former heavyweight champion. “To make this announcement during Black History Month only confirms Hulu’s concern for dollars over respect for Black story rights. Hollywood needs to be more sensitive to Black experiences especially after all that has transpired in 2020. My authorized story is in development and will be announced in coming days.”

In a subsequent tweet, Tyson called for a boycott of Hulu, writing, “Really Hulu?! Stealing a Black man’s story during Black History Month?”

Decider has reached out to Hulu for comment, but did not hear back by the time of publication.

If Tyson does end up going toe-to-toe with Hulu over Iron Mike, he’ll be facing a formidable opponent. Beyond the Disney of it all (20th Television will produce the series), Iron Mike is created by I, Tonya screenwriter Steven Rogers, and Mixed-ish alum Karin Gist will showrun and serve as executive producer with Claire Brown of The Gist Of It. I, Tonya star Margot Robbie and her LuckyChap colleagues Tom Ackerly and Brett Hedblom will also executive produce, as will I, Tonya director Craig Gillespie, Clubhouse Pictures’ Bryan Unkeless and Scott Morgan, and Entertainment 360’s Darin Friedman.