The life and times of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali are rife with stories worthy of cinematic depiction, and now Searchlight is developing a movie centered on Ali’s refusal to be drafted into the military during the Vietnam War.
Ali cited his religious beliefs and ethical opposition to the Vietnam War for his refusal to be conscripted, putting his freedom, achievements, and even his life on the line.
Muhammad Ali retired from the ring in 1981 and was diagnosed with Parkinson’s syndrome three years later.
In 1967, Ali was found guilty of draft evasion and faced up to 5 years in prison.