Shohei Ohtani Translator Gambling Scandal Series Coming Soon to Starz from Alex Convery, Justin Lin, and Lionsgate
Starz is developing an untitled project in collaboration with Lionsgate, focusing on the story of Ippei Mizuhara, who served as the translator for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani. Mizuhara made headlines after stealing $17 million from Ohtani’s bank account to settle gambling debts.
Alex Convery, known for his work on Air and Tiger Slam, is on board as the writer, executive producer, and showrunner for the series. Renowned filmmaker Justin Lin, famous for the Fast & Furious franchise, will direct, co-write, and executive produce the project. The series will chronicle Mizuhara’s transformation from a drifter to a central figure in a scandal that shocked the sports world.
Lionsgate Television initially announced the development of this project in May 2024, with Tony Award winner Scott Delman, known for The Book of Mormon and A Raisin in the Sun, as a producer alongside former Sports Illustrated journalist Albert Chen. Delman continues as an executive producer, while Chen holds the role of co-executive producer.
Steven Prinz from Lin’s Perfect Storm Entertainment will also serve as executive producer for the series.
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In February, Mizuhara was sentenced in federal court to four years and nine months in prison and ordered to pay over $18.1 million in restitution. He had pleaded guilty in June to one count each of bank fraud and subscribing to a false tax return. While Mizuhara claimed his actions were driven by a gambling addiction, prosecutors argued that his behavior stemmed from greed.
In March 2024, Ohtani addressed the situation at a press conference held at Dodger Stadium. “I am very saddened and shocked someone whom I trusted has done this,” Ohtani stated. He added, “Ippei has been stealing money from my account and has been telling lies. I never bet on sports or have willfully sent money to the bookmaker.”
Convery is represented by UTA, Untitled Entertainment, and Morris, Yorn, Barnes, Levine, while Lin is represented by CAA and Weber Offer Dern.
