BREAKING NEWS: Netflix Releases “The Underdog,” a Highly Anticipated Documentary on Celtics Star Jayson Tatum—Slated for Release on September 18
Get ready, sports fans and dreamers alike—Netflix has officially announced the release date for one of the most anticipated sports documentaries in recent memory. Titled “The Underdog,” this powerful film tells the extraordinary journey of Boston Celtics power forward and NBA champion Jayson Tatum, and it’s set to premiere globally on September 18.
From his humble beginnings in St. Louis, Missouri, to the bright lights of TD Garden in Boston, “The Underdog” captures the rise of a player who was often overlooked, often doubted, but never denied. The film is already generating major buzz for its raw storytelling, exclusive behind-the-scenes footage, and emotional interviews with Tatum, his family, teammates, and coaches.
A Story Bigger Than Basketball
“The Underdog” isn’t just about the dunks, the buzzer-beaters, or the championship celebrations. It’s a deep, emotional look at what it takes to go from being counted out to becoming one of the NBA’s brightest stars.
The documentary chronicles Tatum’s early struggles—growing up in a single-parent household, balancing school and AAU ball, and dealing with the doubts of scouts who questioned whether he had the toughness to make it big.
Through it all, the cameras capture a young man driven not just by the game, but by the desire to make his mother proud, uplift his community, and become a role model for the next generation.
Never-Before-Seen Footage
Fans will be treated to unseen training clips, private locker room moments, and exclusive footage from Tatum’s legendary 2024-25 season—the year he finally brought Banner 18 back to Boston. From pre-dawn workouts to the emotional scenes with his son, Deuce, following the championship win, “The Underdog” pulls back the curtain on Tatum’s life like never before.
The film is directed by Ava DuVernay, known for her deeply human and visually stunning storytelling, and produced in partnership with SpringHill Entertainment, the media company founded by LeBron James.
Voices That Shaped the Legend
“The Underdog” features candid interviews with:
Jayson Tatum himself
His mother, Brandy Cole, who sacrificed everything for his dreams
Brad Stevens and Joe Mazzulla, who coached and mentored him
Teammates like Jaylen Brown and Derrick White, who share what it’s like playing alongside a true competitor
NBA legends like Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, who weigh in on what makes Tatum a Celtic for the ages
A Cultural Moment
Netflix has already launched a massive promotional campaign ahead of the September 18 release, including billboards in Times Square, NBA arenas, and a special live premiere event in Boston.
Social media has erupted with anticipation, with the hashtag #TheUnderdogTatum trending globally. Celtics fans are calling it “the film every Bostonian will watch twice,” while critics say it could be “the next Last Dance for a new generation.”
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“The Underdog” is more than a documentary—it’s a tribute to grit, faith, family, and the unshakable belief that no dream is too big. On September 18, the world will witness the story of Jayson Tatum not just as a star—but as a symbol of what’s possible when talent meets heart.
Mark your calendars. Boston’s own is ready to inspire the globe.
