Tony Hawk and Steve-O Are Producing Skateboarding Anthology Series SK8 OR DIE
Legendary skater Tony Hawk and Steve-O from Jackass are executive producing an skatboarding anthology series titled Sk8 or Die.
The show is conceived as a biographical anthology series like Ryan Murphy’s Monster, where each new season will explore the life of another skating legend.
The first season will be Sk8 or Die: The Lee Ralph Story, and it will tell the story of the life of the New Zealand skateboarder who reached the peak of the sport in the 1980s before abruptly vanishing from the scene.
The series will follow Lee’s childhood in New Zealand, “growing up the son of a heroin-dealing father and his rise to becoming a skating pro in the late 1980s, often skating barefoot. At the peak of his fame, as one of the sport’s top stars, he suddenly dropped out.”
Hawk said in a statement: “Lee Ralph was a truly unique character, and that is saying a lot in the eclectic world of skateboarding. His skating was powerful and smooth, while his appearance and attitude was unapologetically grimy. But he always wore a smile and we were always stoked to see him.”
Director Tom Hern added: “I’ve known Lee for nearly 20 years. He’s a dear friend and one of a kind. I’ve always known about his skating achievements and his somewhat mythical antics for years, but it wasn’t until researching this project that Nua and I learned about all the other crazy, incredible aspects to his story.
“In addition to the Forrest Gump-like twists and turns of his life, Lee and his family’s story is very touching and inspiring. We can’t wait to bring it to the screen.”
Vinnie Bennett, who played Young Dom in F9, will star as Lee Ralph, with Keisha Castle-Hughes (Whale Rider, FBI: Most Wanted) set to play Lee’s sister and life-long partner in crime, Kim Ralph.
Sky New Zealand Originals has is developing the series, which is co-written by Hern and Halaifonua (Nua) Finau, who will also serve as showrunners.
As someone who grew up deep in skateboarding culture, I’m very excited about this new series project!
Source: THR
