Inside Ippei Mizuhara’s Fall: Starz Greenlights Gambling Scandal Drama

Starz is moving forward with a new television drama. The project will focus on the Ippei Mizuhara gambling scandal. It involves the former interpreter for baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani.

The development was first reported by entertainment industry outlets. The show aims to tell the inside story of Mizuhara’s rapid rise and shocking fall.

From Drifter to Defendant: The Story Behind the Series

The drama’s logline describes Mizuhara’s journey. He went from an unemployed drifter to an international icon. His story ended in a scandal that shook the sports world.

According to reports, Alex Convery will serve as showrunner and writer. Convery previously wrote the film “Air” about Nike and Michael Jordan. Director Justin Lin of the “Fast and Furious” franchise is also attached.

The project has been in development since April 2024. Lionsgate Television is producing the series for Starz. The two companies recently became separate, standalone entities.

A Real-World Scandal with Global Repercussions

The series is based on true events from March 2024. Ohtani’s representatives accused Mizuhara of stealing millions. The money was allegedly used to pay off illegal gambling debts.

Mizuhara was fired by the Los Angeles Dodgers immediately. He later pleaded guilty to federal charges. These charges included bank fraud and submitting a false tax return.

Shohei Ohtani was not implicated in the illegal gambling activity. Federal investigators concluded he was a victim of theft. The scandal nonetheless created a major media frenzy around the player.

The Ippei Mizuhara gambling scandal remains a cautionary tale of trust and betrayal in professional sports. This new series promises to unpack the human drama behind the headlines.

Info at your fingertips

What is the new Starz show about?

The show is a drama about Ippei Mizuhara. It follows his life from obscurity to becoming Shohei Ohtani’s famous translator. The story culminates in the gambling scandal that led to his imprisonment.

Was Shohei Ohtani involved in gambling?

No, he was not. Federal authorities concluded Ohtani was a victim. His former translator stole money from him to pay personal gambling debts.

What happened to Ippei Mizuhara legally?

Mizuhara pleaded guilty to bank fraud and tax evasion. He was sentenced to nearly five years in federal prison. The sentence was handed down in late 2024.

Who is making this television series?

Lionsgate Television is producing it for Starz. Alex Convery is the writer and showrunner. Justin Lin is set to direct the project.

When did the real scandal become public?

The scandal broke in March 2024. It emerged during the Los Angeles Dodgers’ first season with Ohtani. The news led to Mizuhara’s immediate firing.