Marvel and ESPN Films Set Premiere Date for Short Film Series ‘1 of 1 – Origins’

Series focusing on real-life superheroes including Colin Kaepernick, Danica Patrick and Dwight Howard will air July 10

ESPN

Marvel Entertainment and ESPN are joining forces for a short film series focusing on real-life superheroes that will begin airing next month.

“1 of 1 – Origins” gives viewers a unique look at some of the world’s most successful athletes by mixing the award-winning non-fiction style of ESPN Films with original Marvel art, design and creative animation, the sports network said in a statement Tuesday. In a social media crossover, all eight films will be released on the ESPN 30 for 30 Facebook page and Marvel.com on the same day as their television premiere.

The series follows some of the biggest stars in sports, including NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, NASCAR driver Danica Patrick, NBA player Dwight Howard and Paralympian/”Dancing With the Stars” contestant Amy Purdy.

It is directed by Emmy-winning director and producer Eric Drath (30 for 30 “No Mas,” Assault In The Ring) and each episode focuses on a single athlete, all of whom have a defining story of the origin of their powers in their ascent to greatness in their sport.

“I could not ask for more collaborative and creative teams to work with than those at ESPN Films and Marvel,” said Drath. “It was truly amazing to work with such incredible athletes for this series and to learn of their moments of self-discovery.”

“1 of 1 – Origins” kicks off with San Francisco 49ers QB Kaepernick’s story, which will be shown during the July 10 episode of ESPN’s “His & Hers” hosted by Jemele Hill and Michael Smith as it is telecast from Comic-Con in San Diego. The remaining short films will launch across various ESPN programs including “SportsCenter,” coverage of the MLB Home Run Derby and the British Open.

Read the full film summaries below.

“1 of 1 – Origins: Colin Kaepernick” – Premiering July 10
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick is one of the NFL’s biggest stars, but it was on the baseball diamond that a young Colin would be forever changed. At 12, he was already a standout athlete, head and shoulders over his peers in both size and skill. But on one fateful day, the hits were not coming and his father would see this opportunity as a moment to help redirect Colin’s life and forever alter his destiny.

“1 of 1 – Origins: Brandi Chastain” – Premiering July 13
At a pivotal moment during a childhood soccer game, Brandi Chastain gets a pass to her left foot. It was that kick where she would discover her power and later use it during the most dramatic penalty kick in USA soccer history.

“1 of 1 – Origins: Bryce Harper” – Premiering July 13
Major league baseball player Bryce Harper discovers the secret to his hitting powers as a little boy, but his destiny unfolds when he finally get the call to the big leagues.

“1 of 1 – Origins: Dwight Howard” – Premiering July 14
It was on a crude basketball court in middle school where NBA legend Dwight Howard played a pick-up game that would forever change his self-confidence and influence his ultimate destiny.

“1 of 1 – Origins: Amy Purdy” – Premiering July 15
Snowboarding star Amy Purdy tells her story of coming back from the brink of death, losing her legs, and finding her super power.

“1 of 1 – Origins: Phil Mickelson” – Premiering July 15
PGA super star Phil Mickelson finds his super power at the moment when others failed to persevere, and it was this moment that would propel him to the greatest heights in golf.

“1 of 1 – Origins: Danica Patrick” – Premiering July 16
Star racecar driver Danica Patrick retells the moment she discovered her super power as a 10 year-old racing go-carts. It was on a little track in rural Beloit, Wisconsin where she discovered that she would do anything to win, and found the internal drive and focus to accomplish greatness.

“1 of 1 – Origins: Tony Hawk” – Premiering July 17
Super star skater Tony Hawk was not always soaring to new heights, it was an early moment of failure during his childhood that would reshape his attitude and help him find his power.

Additionally, the feature-length documentary film, “1 of 1 – Genesis” will air on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET and then again at 9:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, July 14. “1 of 1 – Genesis” premiered on Netflix in March and features star athletes such as Russell Wilson, Dwight Howard and Danica Patrick. The film is also currently available on Digital HD through select digital retailers.

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