Oklahoma legend Jim Thorpe to be featured in new TV series

The life of legendary Native American athlete Jim Thorpe is set to be dramatized in a major new TV series from Verily Storyworks — and for the first time, fans can help bring it to life.

Titled THORPE, the three-season scripted drama will follow Thorpe’s journey from his Oklahoma roots to becoming one of the most celebrated and misunderstood athletes in American history. The studio is collaborating with Thorpe’s descendants and cultural historians to ensure the project honors his legacy with authenticity and purpose.

Here’s what we know about the project so far.

A Long-Overdue Tribute to an American Icon

Jim Thorpe, a Sac and Fox Nation member, is considered by many to be the greatest athlete of the 20th century. He won Olympic gold medals, played professional baseball and football, and broke barriers in a deeply segregated America.

Despite his achievements, Thorpe’s full story has rarely been told. THORPE aims to change that by giving his life the time, care and cultural depth it deserves.

“Jim's story deserves the time, depth and respect only a series of this scope can deliver,” said John Thorpe, Jim Thorpe’s grandson.

Verily Storyworks and Its Grassroots Approach

Verily Storyworks is a Texas-based studio known for building storytelling projects through grassroots support. The company says its goal is to create “fan-led, fan-driven and fan-invested” content rooted in real lives and historical accuracy.

Founder Barry Capece said THORPE is more than a television series — it’s a mission to give voice to an American legend whose story remains widely untold.

“At Verily, we don’t only ask the public to watch this story,” Capece said. “We open up the opportunity to be a part of the process of building it with us.”

Fans Can Help Fund the Series

Unlike traditional productions, Verily is calling on the public to become part of the storytelling journey by funding the development phase as Capital Ambassadors.

Those who invest will own a piece of the project’s intellectual property and help shape how the series comes to life.

Verily is currently in the fundraising stage and actively encouraging those interested in supporting the project to visit VerilyStoryworks.com.

A Legacy Meant for the Screen

THORPE will span five decades of Jim Thorpe’s life, from his early years in Oklahoma to his historic Olympic wins and the personal battles he fought behind the scenes. The series aims to explore themes of identity, resilience and cultural pride, while confronting the injustice and racism he endured.

“This is the ideal story that needs to be told,” Capece said. “It’s more than a television series — it’s a long overdue tribute to a great man and the greatest athlete in modern history.”