The Lifetime film “The Real MVP” came about because of basketball star Kevin Durant’s powerful 2014 MVP acceptance speech. In that speech Durant paid tribute to the struggles and sacrifices of his mother Wanda Pratt when he announced:
“You’re the real MVP.” He described how Pratt told him, over and over, while growing up: “Do not quit, no matter what.”
Durant’s speech went viral across the internet and television news outlets. Lifetime’s film “The Real MVP” premiered on Mother’s Day. According to the film’s Executive Producer, Queen Latifah, “That speech resonated with so many people as they thought about their own mothers and the women in their lives who had been so pivotal in their own success. It was relatable for so many and was the reason it caught on.”
The film is based on Pratt’s life and the way she raised her two sons, on her own, at a very young age. With the support of her mother and close friends, it was Wanda Pratt’s perseverance which led to the success of her sons. What truly makes this film remarkable is that Wanda Pratt handpicked the cast of the film, including Cassandra Freeman who stars as Durant’s mother. Pratt wanted to be sure her story would be portrayed genuinely.
“I was very happy with Lifetime and Queen Latifah’s production company for allowing me to have so much input.” When we asked Pratt how she felt about Cassandra Freeman portrayal, she responded: “I was so emotional on set just watching her. I wanted it to be authentic, I wanted the real story to be told.” And it most certainly was.
Creative Credits
- Written by
- Bianca Aguirre
- Photography
- Marcel Dutch
