Andrew Bachelor Cast as Carl Lewis in Ben Johnson Miniseries

Andrew 'King Bach' Bachelor, a prominent social media influencer and actor, is set to portray legendary U.S. sprinter Carl Lewis in the upcoming satirical miniseries "Hate the Player: The Ben Johnson Story." The project, which is a collaboration between Paramount+ and GameTV in Canada, will also feature Shamier Anderson as Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson. The miniseries aims to explore the doping scandal that marred the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where Johnson infamously tested positive for banned substances, transforming from a celebrated athlete to a controversial figure almost overnight.

Scheduled to air in 2026, the six-part series is produced by New Metric Media and Bay Mills Studios, with Anthony Q. Farrell, known for his work on "The Office," serving as showrunner and executive producer. The series promises to deliver a humorous yet revealing account of one of sports history's most infamous rivalries—the competition between Lewis and Johnson.

Bachelor, who has previously starred in films such as "Coffee and Kareem" and "The Babysitter: Killer Queen," expressed his enthusiasm for the role, citing Lewis as a personal hero and acknowledging the significance of the rivalry in sports. "Carl Lewis was a hero of mine—not just because of his dominance, but because he excelled in multiple events, just like I did. The rivalry between Ben Johnson and Carl Lewis is one of the most iconic in sports history. To be a part of bringing that story to life is an incredible honor and a full-circle moment for me," said Bachelor in a statement.

The ensemble cast includes notable names such as Mark McKinney, Karen Robinson, and Ennis Esmer, promising a diverse group of performances. The miniseries aims to provide a satirical lens on the events surrounding the doping scandal that shocked the sports world, described in the producers' synopsis as Johnson's "definitely-not-biased account" of the incident.

The series has received input from Ben Johnson himself, a unique aspect that adds authenticity to the narrative. The production team aims to highlight the broader implications of doping in sports and the cultural attitudes towards athletes and their integrity.

As the project moves forward, anticipation builds around how it will depict the dramatic events of the 1988 Olympics, which some have called 'The Dirtiest Race in History.' The miniseries not only represents a significant cultural moment in sports history but also serves as a lens through which audiences can examine the ongoing conversation surrounding performance-enhancing drugs and their impact on athletics today.

In conclusion, "Hate the Player: The Ben Johnson Story" promises to be an engaging exploration of one of sports' most contentious moments, blending humor with serious themes that continue to resonate in the sports community. With an accomplished cast and a talented production team, the series is poised to attract attention both for its narrative and its critical commentary on the world of athletics.