The Lucas Brothers, Mookie Thompson Team To Direct Documentary On AEW Partnership Of Wrestler Swerve Strickland & Rapper Flash Garments

Matt Grobar

17 June 2024 at 11:35 am·3-min read

EXCLUSIVE: Brothers Kenny and Keith Lucas (Judas and the Black Messiah) are teaming with Mookie Thompson on their first documentary, a project on the unexpected creative partnership between wrestler Swerve Strickland and rapper Derek “Flash Garments” Shaw, which has helped take the former’s career in the ring to new heights.

The doc is set into motion as dreams shatter for Strickland and Garments after getting axed from the WWE and Kanye West’s crew, respectively. Subsequently, the disillusioned duo fuse their unmatched talents to blaze a trailblazing and unprecedented path to superstardom, prophetically merging authentic hip hop culture and wrestling in a way no major promotion ever has. Collaborating to create a new theme song for Strickland, in order to revamp his character by incorporating elements of hip-hop culture, the pair’s work has contributed to Strickland’s surge in popularity and successful run as the first Black champion of All Elite Wrestling.

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“Flash Garments and I were introduced to one another at very interesting times in our lives,” explained Strickland in a statement to Deadline. “We knew we were meant to make history with one another by collaborating hip hop and pro wrestling on a different level. The Lucas brothers captured it in the best light possible.”

Stated Garments, “Well I was honestly shocked and honored for the Lucas Bros to take interest in wanting to make a fusion documentary regarding pro wrestling and hip hop to highlight us and our impact in both respective fields. Get ready for a premium and unique viewing experience.”

Added The Lucas Brothers, “As lifelong fans of hip-hop and wrestling, we were instantly captivated by Swerve and Flash’s groundbreaking work in AEW. In an era where the media often portrays black men in conflict, their partnership is a beautiful example of the incredible things that can happen when African American men work together. We believe their story needs to be told.”

The pair added that the doc “will showcase how their unity and shared vision have defied stereotypes and proven that with collaboration, anything is possible. It’s a powerful counter-narrative that deserves the spotlight.”

A pair of twin comedians, screenwriters and actors native to New Jersey, Kenny and Keith Lucas earned an Oscar nomination as co-contributors to the story of Warner Bros’ Judas and the Black Messiah. They also co-produced the 2021 Shaka King drama starring Daniel Kaluuya as Fred Hampton, chairman of the Chicago chapter of the Black Panthers.

Previously, the pair created and starred in the Fox animated series Lucas Bros. Moving Co., with Keith also working as a writer and consulting producer on truTV’s It’s Personal with Amy Hoggart. Most recently, the duo appeared in Pamela Adlon’s acclaimed pregnancy dramedy Babes. They debuted the comedy special Lucas Brothers: On Drugs on Netflix in 2017.

The Lucas Brothers are repped by UTA, Fourth Wall Management, and Hansen, Jacobson, Teller.

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