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Fans see the Milwaukee Bucks star as a family man in Prime Video’s new documentary about his road to success. Get exclusive details you didn’t see in the film.
Giannis: The Marvelous Journey, which is now streaming on Prime Video, shows both the softer side of NBA great Giannis Antetokounmpo as well as his road to success. Family is everything to Antetokounmpo who was born and raised in Athens to Nigerian immigrant parents, but when the Milwaukee Bucks signed him more than 10 years ago, the power forward had to leave his father, mother, and three brothers behind in order to pursue his pro basketball dreams. With a little help from the owner of the Bucks, Antetokounmpo brought his family to America and achieved a sense of harmony and happiness he always wanted.
The film adeptly addresses Antetokounmpo and the Bucks’ victorious road to the 2021 NBA championship. However, it’s the moments shown with his parents, brothers, fiancée Mariah Riddlesprigger, and their children—two boys and a girl—that prove to be the most relatable and heartwarming.
We caught up with Antetokounmpo and Giannis: The Marvelous Journey director Kristen Lappas to talk about the film and the behind-the-scenes details fans didn’t see.
READ MORE:Giannis Antetokounmpo Leads Milwaukee Bucks To 111-99 Victory Over Charlotte Hornets
In the film, it is revealed that a tragic loss made you consider leaving the NBA behind. Was that tough to share?
Antetokounmpo: There have been a couple times when I’ve contemplated leaving the game. I like to do things that I enjoy and without my family, I can’t be happy. At the end of the day, my family is always there for me. I did it to provide for them and I do it to make them proud. And now, I do it to make my own kids proud. That’s my motivation—my family.
Are there moments with your family the film didn’t capture?
Antetokounmpo: I enjoy hard work. I enjoy seeing myself improving. I enjoy reaching my goals in front of my family. It’s something I’ve always loved. I spend time with my kids before I go to the arena. I warm up with the team and I see my kids. I kiss them. I kiss Mariah. I compete. And no matter the outcome, I feel loved.
Why was it important to you to show touching moments with Antetokounmpo and his family?
Lappas: I wanted to prioritize him as a man, father, son, and brother. Seeing the relationship he had with his dad was different from the man we see on the court. So is his relationship with his children. I wanted to show a different side of him.
