Imagine Entertainment co-founder Brian Grazer is ready to unveil his latest passion project, The Dynasty: New England Patriots, a 10-episode docuseries on Apple TV+. Grazer, alongside Imagine partner Ron Howard and director Matthew Hamacheck, promises a riveting tale using never-before-seen footage and revealing interviews. As the series premieres, Grazer shares insights into its creation in an exclusive interview.
Grazer’s connections with Patriots owner Robert Kraft and quarterback Tom Brady paved the way for this unique venture. The idea emerged when Kraft mentioned a book being written on the Patriots dynasty, leading to the conception of the docuseries. In an interview with Deadline, Grazer delves into the origins of The Dynasty and its unique narrative.
The relationships developed with Kraft and Brady played a pivotal role. Grazer recounts meeting Kraft in 2012, evolving into a fast friendship. A speech at an Activision conference in 2014, where he coincidentally shared the stage with Tom Brady, provided Grazer with insights into the quarterback’s profound dedication.
As the idea for the docuseries emerged, Grazer acknowledged Kraft’s integral role in bringing it to fruition. Kraft’s commitment to truth and character became the foundation for navigating challenging aspects of the Patriots’ journey, including Deflategate and the cheating scandal.
The access and interviews obtained for The Dynasty impressed Grazer, who expressed gratitude for the honesty displayed by contributors. Notably, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell’s on-camera appearance added a surprising element, reflecting the goodwill built between key figures despite past controversies.
Grazer highlights the series’ tight focus, emphasizing propulsion and viewer anticipation, drawing inspiration from the success of The Last Dance about Michael Jordan. While some elements, like the Peyton Manning/Tom Brady rivalry, were left out, Grazer believes the series successfully covers the dramatic and exciting aspects of the Patriots’ journey.
The Aaron Hernandez episode brought unexpected intensity, and Grazer credits director Matthew Hamacheck for capturing it brilliantly while maintaining balance. Grazer also discusses Imagine’s diverse slate, which includes projects like Genius: MLK/X, The Truth About Jim, and documentaries on Stormy Daniels and Jim Henson.
In essence, Grazer’s penchant for real-life stories and his fascination with diverse worlds shine through in The Dynasty, promising viewers an anthropological journey into the intricate dynamics of the New England Patriots’ remarkable dynasty.
