Additionally, feature-length documentary “1 of 1 – Genesis” will premiere on ESPN on July 14
Starting Friday, July 10, Marvel Entertainment and ESPN Films are premiering “1 of 1 – Origins,” the short film series that gives viewers a unique look at some of the world’s most successful athletes by mixing the award-winning non-fiction style of ESPN Films with original Marvel art, design and creative animation. All eight films will have a television premiere and will also be released on the ESPN 30 for 30 Facebook page the same day.
Directed by Emmy-winning director/producer Eric Drath (30 for 30 “No Mas,” Assault In The Ring), “1 of 1 – Origins” contains all-new interviews with some of the top athletes in the world. Each short film focuses on a single athlete, all of whom have, like all Marvel Super Heroes, a defining story of the origin of their powers in their ascent to greatness in their sport.
“I could not ask for more collaborative and creative teams to work with than those at ESPN Films and Marvel,” said Drath. “It was truly amazing to work with such incredible athletes for this series and to learn of their moments of self-discovery.”
The series kicks off with a film on Colin Kaepernick that will be shown during the July 10 episode of His & Hers that will be telecast from San Diego Comic-Con with Jemele Hill and Michael Smith at 2 p.m. ET on ESPN2. The remaining “1 of 1 – Origins” short films will launch across various ESPN programs including SportsCenter and coverage of the Home Run Derby and British Open. They will also be accessible digitally on 30 for 30’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/espn30for30) and on Marvel.com.
Film summaries:
“1 of 1 – Origins: Colin Kaepernick” – Premiering July 10
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is one of the NFL’s biggest stars, but it was on the baseball diamond that a young Colin would be forever changed. At 12, he was already a standout athlete, head and shoulders over his peers in both size and skill. But on one fateful day, the hits were not coming and his father would see this opportunity as a moment to help redirect Colin’s life and forever alter his destiny.
“1 of 1 – Origins: Brandi Chastain” – Premiering July 13
At a pivotal moment during a childhood soccer game, Brandi Chastain gets a pass to her left foot. It was that kick where she would discover her power and later use it during the most dramatic penalty kick in USA soccer history.
“1 of 1 – Origins: Bryce Harper” – Premiering July 13
Major league baseball player Bryce Harper discovers the secret to his hitting powers as a little boy, but his destiny unfolds when he finally get the call to the big leagues.
“1 of 1 – Origins: Dwight Howard” – Premiering July 14
It was on a crude basketball court in middle school where NBA legend Dwight Howard played a pick-up game that would forever change his self-confidence and influence his ultimate destiny.
“1 of 1 – Origins: Amy Purdy” – Premiering July 15
Snowboarding star Amy Purdy tells her story of coming back from the brink of death, losing her legs, and finding her super power.
“1 of 1 – Origins: Phil Mickelson” – Premiering July 15
PGA super star Phil Mickelson finds his super power at the moment when others failed to persevere, and it was this moment that would propel him to the greatest heights in golf.
“1 of 1 – Origins: Danica Patrick” – Premiering July 16
Star racecar driver Danica Patrick retells the moment she discovered her super power as a 10 year-old racing go-carts. It was on a little track in rural Beloit, Wisconsin where she discovered that she would do anything to win, and found the internal drive and focus to accomplish greatness.
“1 of 1 – Origins: Tony Hawk” – Premiering July 17
Super star skater Tony Hawk was not always soaring to new heights, it was an early moment of failure during his childhood that would reshape his attitude and help him find his power.
Additionally, the feature-length documentary film, “1 of 1 – Genesis” will air on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET and then again at 9:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, July 14. “1 of 1 – Genesis” premiered on Netflixin March and features star athletes such as Russell Wilson, Dwight Howard and Danica Patrick. The film is also currently available on Digital HD through select digital retailers.
About Marvel:
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy-five years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information, visit marvel.com. © 2015 MARVEL
About ESPN Films:
Created in March 2008, ESPN Films produces high-quality films showcasing some of the most compelling stories in sports. In October 2009, ESPN Films launched its signature 30 for 30 film series, which has since won a Peabody Award, Producer’s Guild Award and an Emmy Award. Inspired by ESPN’s 30th Anniversary, the films that made up the series were a thoughtful and innovative reflection on the past three decades told through the lens of diverse and interesting sports fans and social commentators. The strong reaction from both critics and fans led to the launch of 30 for 30 Volume II, which is currently underway. Additional projects from ESPN Films include the critically-acclaimed Nine for IX series, SEC Storied and the Webby Award- and Emmy Award-winning 30 for 30 Shorts.