Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist: Interview with Don Cheadle on New Series, "Fight Night," and the True Story Behind It

Release Date: March 16, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of Sunday Sitdown with Willie Geist, host Willie Geist engages in a comprehensive and engaging conversation with acclaimed actor Don Cheadle. Geist sets the stage by highlighting Cheadle's illustrious career, which includes an Academy Award nomination for Hotel Rwanda, Golden Globes, a Tony Award, and two Grammys. Geist emphasizes Cheadle's versatility and dedication, mentioning the multitude of roles he has undertaken over the years.

Willie Geist [01:05]: "There are just too many [films and TV shows]... He's just an amazing actor who can do everything."

Discussing the NFL Chiefs

The conversation opens with a brief detour into the realm of sports, specifically discussing the Kansas City Chiefs and their potential for a three-peat in the NFL.

Don Cheadle [03:19]: "The scouting is so good that the pieces just always seem to fit together and it always seems to gel at the perfect time."

Although this segment is tangential to the main focus of the interview, it showcases Cheadle's ability to engage in diverse topics with ease.

Transition to "Fight Night, the Million Dollar Heist"

Willie Geist steers the conversation towards Cheadle's latest project, the new series "Fight Night, the Million Dollar Heist," which is streaming on Peacock. Geist describes the series as being based on true events surrounding a 1970 Muhammad Ali fight in Atlanta. The storyline delves into the afterparty of the event, where an armed robbery unfolds involving gangsters from across the country.

Willie Geist [04:05]: "Fight Night the Million Dollar Heist... it's based on true events, which makes it so cool."

Exploring the True Story Behind the Series

Don Cheadle provides an in-depth look into the historical context and inspiration behind the series. He explains how the series captures the essence of the time, highlighting the racial tensions and the vibrant cultural landscape of Atlanta in the 1970s.

Don Cheadle [04:51]: "It's set in 1970. Ali was unable to get a fight for years after he refused to go into the draft, and he couldn't get a sanctioned fight. So in Atlanta, the senator there found a loophole and was able to bring the fight to Atlanta."

Cheadle elaborates on the chaos that ensues during the afterparty, setting the stage for the heist that drives the series' plot.

Don Cheadle [05:42]: "Bad idea. We'll just leave it at that."

Character Development and Research

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Cheadle's portrayal of a detective in the series—a groundbreaking character being one of the first black detectives in the Atlanta Police Department during that era. Cheadle delves into the complexities of the character, who navigates institutionalized racism and is viewed as an outsider in both the police force and his community.

Don Cheadle [06:22]: "He was one of the first black detectives in the Atlanta Police Department... he's thrust into this really complex and difficult situation."

Cheadle underscores the importance of authenticity in his performance, mentioning the collaborative efforts with writers and directors to ensure the character's depth and realism.

Don Cheadle [07:44]: "We're going with the words on the page... trying to make sure that the character was grounded and that it was authentic."

Working with an Outstanding Cast

Cheadle expresses his enthusiasm about working alongside a stellar ensemble cast, including Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Henson, and Samuel L. Jackson. He highlights the camaraderie and professional synergy that comes from having longstanding relationships with his co-stars.

Don Cheadle [09:26]: "Knowing that everyone's going to be a professional... we're all pulling in the same direction."

A humorous exchange ensues when Geist teases Cheadle about Kevin Hart's dramatic skills, to which Cheadle responds with good-natured banter.

Don Cheadle [10:35]: "Kevin is a good buddy of yours... he's really good in this."

Balancing Career Choices and Personal Growth

The conversation shifts to Cheadle's approach to selecting roles. He emphasizes the importance of investing time in projects that allow him to expand his craft and contribute meaningfully to storytelling.

Don Cheadle [12:16]: "Any opportunity you eat is going to eat you. So you have to really look at all the elements and say, is this going to be something that I can bring my best to."

Cheadle reflects on the rigorous process of committing to a five-month project, highlighting the support from producers like Will Packard who ensure the creative team has what they need.

Reflecting on a Pivotal Year in 2004

Willie Geist brings up the remarkable year of 2004 for Don Cheadle, where he starred in multiple significant films such as Ocean's Twelve, Hotel Rwanda, and Crash. Cheadle reflects on the whirlwind of that period, noting the diverse range of roles and the impact each had on his career.

Don Cheadle [27:35]: "That was a big year. I did five movies that year... that was a big year."

He discusses how Crash's success not only elevated his profile but also provided insights into the burdens of fame, observing the challenges faced by co-stars like Matt Damon.

Don Cheadle [29:02]: "I wasn't there [when Crash won]. It was a crazy year in so many different ways."

Activism and the Impact of "Hotel Rwanda"

Cheadle speaks passionately about his role in Hotel Rwanda and the subsequent activism it spurred. He shares his experiences with congressional delegations, trips to Sudan and Darfur, and the realization of the power of celebrity in driving social change.

Don Cheadle [31:26]: "I saw really the power of celebrity, and I saw the power of taking the attention and refocusing it... trying to get this ratcheted up."

Cheadle laments the recurring nature of global crises, noting the resurgence of violence in Sudan and the necessity of continuous advocacy.

Don Cheadle [33:51]: "It's something that, again, we need to keep banging the drum and keep, you know, showing up and bringing attention to that area because it's unfathomable what's happening right now."

Maintaining Normalcy Amidst Fame

The discussion culminates with Cheadle addressing how he balances the demands of a high-profile career with personal life. He emphasizes the importance of having supportive friends and family who provide a grounding influence away from the public eye.

Don Cheadle [34:20]: "It's greater to be with your family... I'm much happier just like sitting on the couch and playing my bass than doing a lot of the stuff that comes with this gig."

Cheadle shares insights on staying connected to normalcy, maintaining meaningful relationships, and prioritizing personal happiness over the transient nature of fame.

Don Cheadle [35:37]: "It keeps you grounded. When people don't care that you're on that thing, they're like, yeah, who are you here? That's what matters."

Conclusion

Willie Geist wraps up the conversation by expressing gratitude towards Don Cheadle for sharing his experiences and insights. He encourages listeners to check out Cheadle's new series, "Fight Night, the Million Dollar Heist," available on Peacock.

Willie Geist [36:33]: "So you can check out his new series, Fight Night, the Million Dollar Heist, streaming now on Peacock."

Cheadle adds a light-hearted note, affirming the positive nature of their discussion.

Don Cheadle [36:56]: "Thank you."

Willie concludes by thanking the audience and reminding them to follow the podcast for more in-depth conversations.

Key Takeaways

• "Fight Night, the Million Dollar Heist" is a historically grounded series that explores the intertwining of sports, crime, and cultural dynamics in 1970s Atlanta.
• Don Cheadle meticulously researches his roles to ensure authenticity, particularly in portraying complex characters navigating societal challenges.
• Collaboration with a talented cast and crew is pivotal in bringing rich, multi-dimensional stories to life.
• Cheadle's activism post-Hotel Rwanda underscores the significant role celebrities can play in advocating for social justice and human rights.
• Balancing a demanding career with personal life is essential for maintaining mental well-being and staying grounded amidst the pressures of fame.

Don Cheadle's new series, "Fight Night, the Million Dollar Heist," promises to be a compelling addition to Peacock's lineup, offering audiences a blend of historical drama and thrilling heist action, enriched by Cheadle's renowned performance and dedication to authentic storytelling.