An Andre the Giant Documentary is Coming to HBO

By Reuben Levine | Feb 13, 2017

It’s about time

Andre the Giant is one of the most beloved wrestlers in the history of the sport. That’s not hyperbole; that’s just how it is. It feels like there should have been a big documentary project years ago, but we’ll take what we can get. Even for those not familiar with Andre from his storied wrestling career will recognize him from his essential role in The Princess Bride. Now, HBO has stepped up.

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Andre the Giant, a new documentary about the man, the myth, the legend, is being produced by HBO Sports, the WWE, and the Bill Simmons Media Group. Bill Simmons previously worked in with HBO on Any Given Wednesday, which failed to catch on and was canceled after one season. The doc will examine the life and career of André René Roussimoff, who, unsurprisingly, had quite a life.

HBO is labeling this project as a “full-length signature presentation,” so expect to be hearing a lot more about it. Andre the Giant will be directed by Jason Hehrir, who was involved with 30 for 30 and various UFC productions.

Andre was born in France, gained notoriety as a wrestler, and ended up on Japanese television. If that doesn’t get you interested in a fuller story of his life, we’re not sure anything will. The documentary will be made up of rare footage, as well as interviews with friends, family, other WWE stars, and other sports and media people. It’s going to be something of an all-star affair, which is only fitting.

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There is no premiere date yet for Andre The Giant, but given its pedigree we expect HBO won’t keep silent about it for long. This is the kind of documentary that will get endless promotion once HBO is ready – prepare to be inundated with billboards and TV spots. No, we are not complaining.