Is The Crossover on Disney Plus based on a book? We discuss the trending series and whether it’s based on a book or a true story.
Disney Plus’s original sports drama The Crossover premiered to a mostly positive reception from viewers and critics alike. The show created by Kwame Alexander was produced by LeBron James’ production company, and it stars Jalyn Hall and Amir O’Neil as twin brothers and basketball protegees, Josh and JB Bell, with Derek Luke and Sabrina Revelle taking on the roles of their parents, Chuck and Crystal.
What is The Crossover on Disney Plus about?
The Crossover is a coming-of-age story about family and the influence it has on a person as they head toward adulthood. Centered on the two Bell brothers, the series follows them as they find out who they are outside the sport that’s been an integral part of their upbringing.
While Josh is determined to become a professional basketball player just like his father was, JB is beginning to question whether it’s ok to also pursue other interests and hobbies, which leads to a disconnect between the siblings.
Their father, Chuck, is a former NBA star and also their current middle-school coach, while their mother, Crystal, is the principal at their school, adding further pressure on their family’s dynamic.
Is The Crossover on Disney Plus based on a book?
The Crossover 2023 series is based on the namesake book written by Kwame Alexander, who is also serving as the showrunner. Since its launch in 2014, the novel-in-verse received widespread critical acclaim and several accolades, including a Newberry Medal.
There are three novels in the book series, chronicling the Bell brother’s story from middle school to early adulthood.
Is The Crossover on Disney Plus based on a true story?
While The Crossover is a work of fiction, Alexander took inspiration for the job from his own experience growing up with a father who was a basketball star before becoming a Ph.D. academic.
There are elements of the book series based on the author’s relationship with his parent but admits to imagining a version of his dad he never got to meet. “The book […] is sort of a song for my father, an ode to my father,” he states in an interview with AdLit. “Chuck Bell, the man in Crossover, was the father I didn’t know. Because, again, I got the academic. But prior to that, this is who I imagine he would have been,” he added.
