Neflix announces they are developing a movie that explores the origins of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Dead or Alive, which will be directed by José Padilha who is known for Narcos, Robocop, Elite Squad, and Elite Squad: The Enemy Within.
Details include that Greg Silverman’s Stampede is producing along with Padilha who is also co-writing with Peter Maguire.
Dead Or Alive is the untold saga of two mixed martial artists, Mitsuyo Maeda and Rickson Gracie, who helped pioneer Brazilian jiu-jitsu and how the ultimate martial arts traveled from Tokyo, Japan to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
The deal comes on the heels of Padilha’s successful collaborations with Netflix, Narcosand the hit Brazilian series O Mecanismo, which is set to launch season two.
“This is a film with universal appeal with remarkable real-life characters. Rickson Gracie is one of the greatest fighters of all time and we are honored to share his story,” stated Silverman. “I have been an admirer of José’s for years, and we are honored he has chosen Stampede to collaborate with on Dead or Alive, and to share it with Netflix’s global audience.”
Andy Gonzalez is a coach at Aces Jiu Jitsu Club. He has earned his BJJ Brown Belt under 2nd Degree Black Belt, Professor Mikal Abdullah. Follow Andy on Twitter at @GoGoGonzilla
Andy lives in Austin, Texas with his wife Amanda and their 3 beautiful children. Andy is also the father of a Marine who is honorably serving in the United States Marine Corps.