Spike Lee, Mike Tyson and Entourage creator Doug Ellin joined forces to produce a drama series for HBO, which will be written by John Ridley and directed by Lee. The project, entitled Da Brick, is described as a contemporary exploration of what it means to be a young, black man in supposedly post-racial America and is loosely inspired by aspects of Tyson’s youth. The show is set in current-day Newark, NJ, which is also known as “Brick City.”

HBO is currently exploring casting choices for the lead, a young black actor who is also credible in the boxing ring.

Tyson appeared in a 2010 episode of Entourage, playing himself. The idea for Da Brick was inspired by Entourage, which was loosely based on Mark Wahlberg's early years in Hollywood.

"That's when Mike asked me, why don't do with my life what we did with Mark's life," Ellin told Deadline about a chance encounter with the former boxer. "The initial idea was Entourage meets The Wire, an edgy story about an up-and-coming boxer and his crew that is more than Entourage." 

The series is still in development.

(Photos from left: Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images, Jason Kempin/Getty Images)