Netflix is Planning on Developing a Film Based on Nike Founder Phil Knight
I don't know much about the origin of Nike or its founder Phil Knight, but Netflix has optioned the rights to Knight's bestselling memoir Shoe Dog, and they plan to make a movie based on his life.
Knight is set to produce the film alongside legendary producer Frank Marshall and they've hired Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski (Ed Wood, American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson) to write the screenplay.
Shoe Dog traces Nike’s evolution from intrepid startup to iconic global brand, and Knight’s entrepreneurial journey, as a business school graduate who borrowed $50 from his father to launch a company that would import low-cost shoes from Japan, which he sold from the trunk of his lime green Plymouth Valiant.
Sounds like it's going to be an interesting story! When talking about the Knight's story, Marshall says:
"It’s an amazing tale about what the path to success really looks like, with its mistakes, struggles, sacrifice and even luck. It’s about how a company can grow with the right people, dedication, a belief in the power of sport and a shared mission to build a brand that would change everything.
In Shoe Dog, Knight tells his own story. He details the risks, the setbacks, the ruthless competition and the hostile encounters with bankers — as well as his many thrilling triumphs. Above all, he recalls the relationships that formed the heart and soul of Nike, with his former track coach, the irascible and charismatic Bill Bowerman, and with his first employees, a ragtag group of misfits and savants who quickly became a band of swoosh-crazed brothers.
Together, harnessing the power of a bold vision and a shared belief in the transformative power of sports, they created a brand—and a culture—that changed everything.
Marshall and Knight actually met back in the 80s during the production of Back To The Future Part II. This meet-up was in regards to the future self-lacing Nike Mag shoes. Knight went on to say:
"I look forward to working with my friend, the great Frank Marshall, in bringing my story and the story of Nike to the screen. I have been gratified by the reception my book has received and think that we can explain my journey and the story of Nike to an even larger audience in collaboration with Netflix."
Maybe I'll pick up a copy of Shoe Dog and read it before I see the movie. I love these kinds of stories. Nike was just never one that I thought of looking into before. I'm looking forward to seeing how this movie turns out!