EXCLUSIVE: Objectively Good Media (OGM) is in the early stages of developing Seventy-Two, an authorized biopic centered on the life of actor, comedian, and television host Steve Harvey, according to Deadline.
The project, which is still in its nascent phase, will be produced by Mohamed Kheir and Matthew R. Cooper of OGM, in collaboration with East 112, the production company led by Harvey and Thabiti Stephens, the Chief Strategy Officer of Steve Harvey Global. A writer for the film has not yet been announced.
Seventy-Two will focus on a pivotal 72-hour period in Steve Harvey's life, leading up to a career-defining performance at New York City's legendary Apollo Theatre in 1993. The biopic promises to offer a deeply personal look at the perseverance and challenges Harvey faced throughout his career. The story begins when Harvey, at 26, decided to leave a secure sales job to chase his dream of becoming a comedian. Despite encountering numerous obstacles, by age 36, he was grappling with self-doubt and personal struggles as he prepared for a performance that would ultimately change the course of his career. The concept for the film was developed by OGM and pitched to Harvey and East 112.
Harvey expressed his excitement about the project, saying, “I've been hesitant to make a movie about my life for years, but the pitch for Seventy-Two really resonated with me. It highlights one of the most challenging moments in my journey and career, and shows that hope is never truly lost. I can't wait for everyone to see what we do with this.”
OGM's Mohamed Kheir added, “Securing the rights to tell this story is an incredible honor. Steve Harvey's journey from trials to triumphs is truly inspiring, and Seventy-Two will showcase the resilience and determination that defined those critical days. We are excited to share this powerful narrative with audiences worldwide.”
Steve Harvey began his career as a stand-up comedian in the early 1980s and rose to prominence as the host of Showtime at the Apollo from 1993 to 2000. Over nearly four decades, Harvey has become a household name, starring in The Steve Harvey Show on The WB, participating in the iconic “Kings of Comedy Tour” (immortalized by Spike Lee's documentary The Original Kings of Comedy), and winning multiple Daytime Emmys for his long-running talk show Steve Harvey. He continues to captivate audiences as the host of Family Feud and Celebrity Family Feud, among other ventures. Beyond his entertainment career, Harvey is also recognized as an author, motivational speaker, and entrepreneur.
Objectively Good Media, founded in 2023 by Cooper, Uwakokunre (Kokie) Imasogie, Nicholas “Nikko” Lara, and Kheir, recently wrapped production on Damned If You Do, a dark comedy about a group of teenagers who sell their souls to the devil. The film features Kate Siegel and Harvey Guillén and marks the directorial debut of Jake Rubin and Evan Metzold. The company also announced the appointment of Anna Dragoo as its new Head of Development earlier this week.
Steve Harvey is represented by CAA, Steve Harvey Global, and Brandon R. Williams Esq.
