Swagger, the upcoming Apple TV+ series from Kevin Durant, has recast its lead role with O’Shea Jackson Jr.

Winston Duke was initially set to star in the drama but had to pull out after an on-set injury. Reggie Rock Bythewood is the director and showrunner. S&A RISING Award winner Nijla Mu’min is a writer on the show.

The series “draws inspiration from Durant’s childhood playing Amateur Athletic Union basketball in metropolitan Washington, D.C, where aspiring young athletes and their families find themselves swept up into the youth-sports economy at a startlingly early age.” Jackson’s character is Ike, “a youth basketball coach and former star player.”

In a statement received by VarietyDuke said, “Thank you to Imagine, CBS and Apple TV for the opportunity to have collaborated on this project. As I work toward a full recovery in the coming months, I look forward to joining everyone in future endeavors. Congratulations to O’Shea – I have no doubt that he’ll shine in this role.”

The Variety report also says that Jackson was heavily interested in the show since its inception and had been offered a different role but was unable to take it at the time of initial casting. “I’m thrilled to be involved with such a profound and impactful project that stands for family, explores the development and growth of today’s youth, involves the game of basketball and most importantly addresses such key social issues which are tackled throughout the series,” he said in a statement. “Swagger is an opportunity to explore a fresh, multi-dimensional character under the guidance of an amazing director like Reggie Rock and his team on a daily basis.”

 

READ MORE:

‘Swagger’: Winston Duke To Lead Apple’s Youth Basketball Drama Series From Kevin Durant

Attention Young Actors! Apple’s Kevin Durant-Produced AAU Basketball Drama, ‘Swagger,’ Is Holding An Open Casting Call For Series Regulars

 

Photo: Getty Images

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