Reports say Spike Lee’s planned ESPN documentary on former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick has been scrapped.
“ESPN, Colin Kaepernick and Spike Lee have collectively decided to no longer proceed with this project as a result of certain creative differences,” the sports network said in a statement to Reuters on Saturday. “Despite not reaching finality, we appreciate all the hard work and collaboration that went into this film.”
Lee confirmed to Reuters that the series was canceled but declined to give details, citing a non-disclosure agreement. He commented on the red carpet before a fundraising event in Beverly Hills on Friday.
“It’s not coming out. That’s all I can say,” said Lee. “I can’t talk about it.”
Production began in 2022, billed as a first-person account of Kaepernick’s life and career with his own interviews. By September, it was delayed over creative clashes between Kaepernick and Lee, with ESPN Chairman Jimmy Pitaro reportedly open to shopping it to other networks.
Drafted by the 49ers in 2011, Kaepernick led them to the 2012 Super Bowl before being released in 2017. No team has signed him since, following backlash over his 2016 decision to kneel during the national anthem to protest racism.
ESPN will ‘no longer proceed’ with Spike Lee’s Colin Kaepernick docuseries: ‘It’s not coming out’ https://t.co/IAIGjeR2q3 pic.twitter.com/XCtI7QePJW
— New York Post (@nypost) August 16, 2025
