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Manchester United TV Drama Deal: Complete Guide After Lionsgate Agreement
Manchester United have reportedly reached a significant agreement with North American production powerhouse Lionsgate to develop a television drama series chronicling the storied history of the football club. According to a detailed report from The Athletic, the project remains in its developmental stages but is envisioned to follow a format reminiscent of Netflix's acclaimed period drama The Crown.
Financial Details and Production Background
The reported deal stipulates that Manchester United will receive a guaranteed sum in the low multi-million pounds should the series be produced and successfully sold to broadcasters or streaming platforms. Furthermore, future royalties from the show would be shared between the club and Lionsgate, potentially creating a lucrative new revenue stream for the Red Devils.
This venture represents the latest in a series of television-related explorations by Manchester United, aimed at expanding the club's commercial footprint. Notably, the club previously abandoned a behind-the-scenes documentary series with Amazon last year, citing concerns over timing and team form following their defeat in the Europa League final.
Lionsgate brings considerable prestige to the project, having distributed major film franchises including The Hunger Games, John Wick, and the Twilight saga. The production company also possesses relevant experience in sports-themed cinema, with credits such as Warrior and Draft Day.
What We Know About the Series Content
Both Manchester United and Lionsgate have thus far declined to comment publicly on the project, leaving many details about the series' specific content and editorial direction uncertain. The level of creative control and approval that the club will exert over the production remains unclear at this early stage.
Should the series follow The Crown's blueprint, it could span multiple seasons and cover decades of the club's history. Potential narrative arcs might include:
- The formation of the Busby Babes and the tragic Munich Air Disaster of 1958
- The emergence of legendary players like George Best, Denis Law, and Sir Bobby Charlton
- The club's relegation from Division One in 1974 and subsequent rebuilding periods
- The era preceding Sir Alex Ferguson's appointment and his transformative 26-year reign
- The historic treble-winning season of 1998/99 and Ferguson's retirement in 2013
Whether the series would extend to cover the post-Ferguson years of managerial challenges and reduced on-pitch success remains to be determined by the production team.
Creative Team and Potential Involvement
Reports suggest that British television writer and director Jed Mercurio, creator of hit series like Line of Duty, has been involved in preliminary discussions about the project. However, no official confirmation has been provided regarding his potential role or that of any other creative personnel.
It remains unknown whether key figures from Manchester United's history, including Sir Alex Ferguson himself, will participate in the production either as consultants or through other forms of involvement. Similarly, casting decisions for the dramatic portrayals of club legends have not yet been announced.
Production Timeline and Release Schedule
As the project is still in its developmental phase, concrete details regarding production schedules, episode counts, season numbers, and release dates remain speculative. The series' ultimate scope and narrative structure will likely depend on the finalised deal terms, creative decisions, and market considerations.
This ambitious television project represents a significant cultural moment for football storytelling, potentially bringing Manchester United's rich history to global audiences through the lens of premium dramatic television.
