Jack Begert to Direct Dock Ellis Biopic With David Permut Producing
David Permut has been developing a film about MLB pitcher Dock Ellis for over a decade and has now attached Sundance-winning director Jack Begert to helm the project from his own script. The biopic will cover Ellis's unconventional career, his advocacy for Black players, and his famous no-hitter thrown while under the influence of LSD. Permut produces alongside Joel Reilly and Patrick Peterson, with Alex Astrachan and Joey Poach co-producing.
The project has been in development for over ten years, with Permut finally attaching a director after a lengthy search. Begert, who won a Sundance prize for *Little Death*, will write the script based on a spec by Joey Poach. The film is produced under Permut Presentations alongside Undisputed Pictures, with Permut's recent success on A24's *The Invite* lending momentum to the production.
Ellis's 1970 no-hitter against the San Diego Padres, thrown while allegedly under the influence of LSD, remains one of baseball's most debated moments. His career also included outspoken criticism of the league's treatment of Black players during the 1970s, making the biopic a potential examination of both athletic achievement and institutional racism.
This biopic could reframe how audiences view athletes who challenged institutional norms, particularly around race and substance use in professional sports. By spotlighting Ellis's advocacy alongside his controversial no-hitter, the film may spark conversations about the complex legacies of Black athletes in predominantly white institutions. It could also influence how Hollywood approaches sports stories, prioritizing cultural significance over purely triumphant narratives.