Shohei Ohtani Gambling Scandal Series Nears Starz Deal

A scripted television series about the gambling scandal involving Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani and his former interpreter Ippei Mizuhara is nearing a deal with Starz, having initially been in development at Lionsgate Television. The series will chronicle Ohtani's rise to stardom, including his record-breaking 10-year, $700 million contract, and the scandal that unfolded when Mizuhara was accused and later pleaded guilty to stealing nearly $17 million from Ohtani to pay off gambling debts. Alex Convery, known for writing the film "Air," is set to make his TV writing debut as the series' writer, with producers Scott Delman and Albert Chen, the latter bringing a sports journalism background and authorship of "Billion Dollar Fantasy." The scandal represents the biggest sports gambling controversy in Major League Baseball since Pete Rose, and although Ohtani was cleared of wrongdoing, the story has captivated public interest. Lionsgate and Starz, which were part of the same company until their separation in May 2025, will collaborate on the project, with Max Elins overseeing it for Lionsgate. Casting remains a challenge given the sensitivity of the subject and Ohtani's global profile, likely resulting in lesser-known actors for key roles.