As a passionate fan of both skateboarding and gripping biographical stories, I am absolutely thrilled about the upcoming series “Sk8 or Die: The Lee Ralph Story.” Growing up in New Zealand, I had always heard tales of this enigmatic figure who ruled the skating world with his raw talent and unapologetic attitude. To finally see his life unfold on screen, with the likes of Tony Hawk and Steve-O involved, is a dream come true!
Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk and famous stunt performer Steve-O have joined “Sk8 or Die: The Lee Ralph Story,” a fresh scripted series based on the life of the New Zealand skateboarder who reigned supreme in the 1980s skating world before mysteriously disappearing. In production, this show is designed as a biographical anthology series similar to Ryan Murphy’s “Monster,” with each new season delving into the life story of another skating icon.
The Auckland company Tavake is set to create the film titled “Sk8 or Die,” with Hawk and Steve-O serving as executive producers. Vinnie Bennett, best known for his role as Young Dom in “F9,” will portray Lee Ralph, while Oscar-nominated Keisha Castle-Hughes, famous for her roles in “Whale Rider” and “FBI: Most Wanted,” will play Lee’s sister and longtime accomplice, Kim Ralph.
The show will trace Lee’s journey from his youth spent in New Zealand, where he was the son of a drug dealer dealing with heroin, through his transformation into a professional skater during the late 1980s, frequently skating without shoes. At the height of his popularity, being among the sport’s elite, he mysteriously retired.
Lee Ralph stood out distinctly even in the diverse realm of skateboarding, as Hawk pointed out in a statement. His skating style was both forceful and fluid, while his look and demeanor were undeniably rugged. Yet, he consistently wore a cheerful expression, and it was always a pleasure to witness him.
The series “Sky New Zealand Originals” has been given the green light, with the script being co-written by Tom Hern and Halaifonua (Nua) Finau. They will not only write the series but also take on the role of showrunners. Tom Hern is set to direct certain episodes, while Travon Free and Martin Desmond Roe, known for “Two Distant Strangers” and HBO’s “BS High”, will also direct some episodes. Additionally, Free and Roe will serve as executive producers. Julian Arahanga will assume the role of lead producer.
Hern has been friends with Lee for almost two decades, a unique individual he holds dear. Hern was already aware of Lee’s skating accolades and legendary exploits over the years, but delving into this project alongside Nua unveiled numerous other fascinating facets of his tale. Beyond the seemingly scripted twists and turns in Lee’s life story, the account of him and his family is deeply moving and motivational. We are thrilled to bring their screen adaptation to life.
I, a game enthusiast with a side in TV production, am renowned for my captivating dramedy series titled “Madam,” which features Rachel Griffiths and Martin Henderson. This year, it clinched the best creation award at the Monte-Carlo television festival. Excitingly, Fifth Season is taking this masterpiece worldwide! Next up, I’ll be pitching my new project, “Sk8 or Die,” to potential collaborators and financiers at the Mipcom international television market in Cannes later this month.
Tom Hern and Nua Finau are managed by Kaplan and Perrone, while Martin Desmond Roe is a partner and co-founder of Dirty Robber, with representation from WME and 3Arts. Travon Free is represented by AGI Entertainment Media & Management, Vinnie Bennett has management from Johnson & Laird Management and Anonymous Content, Keisha Castle-Hughes is managed by Johnson & Laird Management, Innovative Artists & Industry Entertainment, and Steve-O is represented by attorney Jeff Bernstein and Empirical.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-10-02 10:54