With Succession’s enthralling third season coming to an end, what can HBO subscribers look forward to bingeing next? How about Adam McKay’s upcoming series Winning Time, chronicling the “Showtime” Los Angeles Lakers of the 1980s?
HBO has released its first teaser trailer for Winning Time, starring longtime McKay collaborator John C. Reilly as Lakers owner Jerry Buss, Sally Field as his wife Jessie Buss, Adrien Brody as coach Pat Riley, Jason Segel as Paul Westhead (who preceded Riley as Lakers head coach) and Michael Chiklis as Red Auerbach, president of the rival Boston Celtics. Comedian Bo Burnham had been cast as Celtics legend Larry Bird but was replaced by Sean Patrick Small due to a scheduling conflict.
McKay, who also serves as an executive producer on Succession, is best known for directing comedies (Anchorman, Talladega Nights, Step Brothers and The Other Guys, to name a few), though the SNL alum has pivoted to more serious subject matter in his recent films including The Big Short, Vice and Don’t Look Up starring Jennifer Lawrence and Leonardo DiCaprio. Winning Time apparently caused a rift between McKay and his former writing partner Will Ferrell, who took offense to not being cast as Buss, a role he had long coveted. Having that part go to Reilly, his co-star in Step Brothers and Talladega Nights, must have been an especially low blow for Ferrell, a diehard Lakers fan who often attends games at Staples Center (soon to be renamed Crypto.com Arena).
The Lakers/Celtics rivalry of the 1980s—considered by many to be the NBA’s “Golden Age”—has been a frequent source of nostalgia, serving as the basis for countless books, documentaries (including a three-part ESPN 30 for 30) and television projects in recent years. Considering the names attached and McKay’s track record as one of Hollywood’s most successful producers, Winning Time, should be a compelling watch when it debuts in March.
Related
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram