Shohei Ohtani Interpreter Gambling Scandal Scripted Series Nears Starz Deal

The series about Shohei Ohtani and the gambling scandal surrounding his interpreter could soon be headed to Starz.

Variety has learned from sources that the premium cabler is nearing a deal for the series, though it has not closed at this time. The project was first reported to be in the works at Lionsgate Television in May 2024. According to sources, Alex Convery will serve as the writer. Scott Delman and Albert Chen are both attached to produce. Max Elins is overseeing for Lionsgate TV.

Reps for Starz declined to comment.

Ohtani made headlines the world over when he signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The star pitcher and designated hitter had for years been working with interpreter Ippei Mizuhara, but just one day into the 2024 MLB season, it was revealed that Mizuhara had stolen nearly $17 million from Ohtani to cover gambling debts. He was immediately fired and later turned himself in to federal authorities. He later pled guilty to bank and tax fraud charges, for which he was sentenced to nearly five years in prison. He began serving his sentence in June 2025.

This would mark the TV writing debut for Convery. He previously wrote the script for the Amazon MGM Studios film “Air,” which premiered in 2023. Starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck with Affleck also directing, the film told the story of how the then-fledgling Nike convinced a young Michael Jordan to sign with the company, leading to the launch of the iconic Air Jordan shoe line.

Convery is repped by UTA, Untitled Entertainment, and Yorn Levine Barnes.

Chen previously authored the sports gambling book “Billion Dollar Fantasy.” He is also the co-creator, co-host, and producer of the podcast “All American” from Stitcher and SiriusXM. He was a senior editor at Sports Illustrated, during which time he covered baseball extensively, and was also a contributor at MLB Network.

Lionsgate and Starz were previously part of the same company, but officially separated into two distinct entities (again) as of May 2025. Starz’s original programming now includes “Outlander” and the upcoming prequel “Blood of My Blood,” the “Power” universe shows and the recently greenlit prequel “Power: Origins,” and the crime drama “BMF.”