In a move that has already generated massive buzz across the entertainment and sports worlds, Netflix has officially released the trailer for its highly anticipated original documentary, “The Underdog,” a gripping and inspirational deep-dive into the life of Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. Scheduled for release on May 15, 2025, the documentary promises to deliver a raw and emotional portrayal of one of the NBA’s most celebrated figures, highlighting his rise from the streets of Athens, Greece, to becoming an MVP and NBA champion.“The Underdog” is more than just a sports documentary—it’s a story of resilience, family, and the enduring spirit of those who dare to dream against all odds.
From the Streets of Athens to NBA Stardom
The film opens with a hauntingly beautiful aerial shot of Sepolia, a poor neighborhood in Athens where Giannis was born to Nigerian immigrants. He and his brothers grew up in poverty, often helping their parents sell goods on the street to make ends meet. Despite living in a country that did not grant them citizenship until later in life and facing racial discrimination, Giannis remained focused on one thing: basketball.
The documentary captures these early moments in stunning visual detail, combining archival family footage with interviews from neighbors, childhood friends, and local coaches who first saw the spark in the tall, lanky kid hustling on the court with a tireless drive. “He wasn’t the most skilled,” one of his youth coaches shares in the trailer, “but he had this fire in his eyes that said, ‘I will not fail.’”
A Family of Fighters
A central theme in “The Underdog” is family. The Antetokounmpo brothers—Thanasis, Kostas, Alex, and of course Giannis—are all deeply close, and their bond is one of the emotional backbones of the film. Netflix gives viewers intimate access to their shared experiences growing up in hardship, encouraging one another through the toughest times.
Giannis’s mother, Veronica, emerges as a quiet pillar of strength in the documentary. Through tearful interviews, she recounts nights without food, and the pain of watching her children be overlooked simply because of their background. “We had no papers. No identity. But I told them, we are rich in spirit. We are together.”
Their father, Charles Antetokounmpo, who passed away in 2017, is also a central figure. The film takes time to honor his legacy, with Giannis stating, “Everything I do is for him. He gave up his life in Nigeria so we could have a chance here. I just wanted to make him proud.”
The NBA Dream Realized
After being discovered by a scout during a game with Filathlitikos B.C., Giannis’s life changed dramatically. He was drafted 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2013 NBA Draft, a moment that changed not only his life but the lives of his entire family. The documentary does a fantastic job juxtaposing the excitement of that night with the nervous energy Giannis felt being thrust into a new country, new culture, and new expectations.
The film spends time exploring his rookie struggles, his transformation through relentless training, and his mental resilience when critics said he was too skinny or lacked the experience to make it big. “He was a raw talent,” says former Bucks coach Jason Kidd in an interview. “But what people didn’t see was how hard he worked. He would come in at 6 a.m., leave at 10 p.m., every day. He had something to prove.”
The MVP Years
“The Underdog” doesn’t shy away from the highs of Giannis’s career. From winning back-to-back MVP titles in 2019 and 2020, to leading the Bucks to a historic NBA Championship in 2021, the documentary weaves these achievements into the narrative with emotion and authenticity. Viewers relive his 50-point masterpiece in Game 6 of the 2021 NBA Finals, a performance many consider one of the greatest in Finals history.
Giannis is candid about the pressure he felt. “I didn’t want to be just another player. I wanted to change the game. I wanted to show that someone like me, from nothing, could be great too.”
The Man Behind the Jersey
Beyond the court, “The Underdog” explores the essence of Giannis as a human being. His philanthropy in both Milwaukee and Athens, his quiet demeanor off the court, and his love for his fiancée, Mariah Riddlesprigger, and their children, give audiences a glimpse of the man few see during the game.
There are heartwarming scenes of Giannis interacting with fans, visiting community centers, and speaking candidly about the mental toll of fame. The film explores how he balances his responsibilities as a father, son, and public figure—all while carrying the weight of expectations on his shoulders.
One particularly touching moment is when Giannis reads a letter he wrote to his father as a teenager, promising to take care of the family someday. With tears in his eyes, he says, “I hope he knows I kept that promise.”
A Netflix Masterstroke
Directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Ava Thompson and produced in collaboration with SpringHill Entertainment (LeBron James’s company), “The Underdog” stands out not only for its storytelling but also for its cinematic quality. Sweeping drone shots, slow-motion game footage, and a compelling score give it the polish of a Hollywood feature, while its raw interviews and personal moments ground it deeply in truth.
Thompson said in a statement, “Giannis’s story is the ultimate reminder that greatness comes from grit, and that heroes can come from the most unexpected places. We didn’t just want to make a sports documentary—we wanted to make something human.”
The Legacy
As the documentary draws to a close, we see Giannis not just as a player, but as a symbol—of hope, determination, and the power of belief. “The Underdog” makes it clear that his journey is far from over, and with every step, he continues to redefine what it means to be a champion—on and off the court.
Fans, athletes, and dreamers alike will find something to connect with in this powerful story. In a world where quick fame often overshadows true grit, Giannis Antetokounmpo is a reminder that real greatness is earned.
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