WhatsApp Releases First Short Film Featuring NBA Star Giannis Antetokounmpo

WhatsApp is known for being a popular messaging app, but they are adding something new - their first-ever short film. The 12-minute-long film titled, "Naija Odyssey," features NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo, and will be released this week. According to the official description, Giannis "tells his origin story of many origins as he reconciles his roots, birthplace and sense of belonging between cross-cultural worlds." The Milwaukee Bucks star, 2021 NBA Champion and Finals MVP, who was born in Greece to Nigerian parents, narrates the story along with his mother, Veronica.

The story is loosely based on the famous Greek poem "The Odyssey." In the past, WhatsApp has been accused of spreading disinformation, particularly during the election process and pandemic, and this short film will help to counter that position. The content is part of the endorsement deal Giannis signed with the app in February.

"'Naija Odyssey' is a story that reinforces how WhatsApp helps us embrace our multifaceted lives," Vivian Odior, WhatsApp's global head of marketing said, according to Forbes. "In navigating relationships, identity, and even adversity, WhatsApp is there - enabling you to embrace all sides of you by connecting you to those who matter most."

Giannis is known for his fun-loving attitude, silly dad jokes, and as someone who appears to really enjoy life. He shares his life on Instagram often, and just recently posted about the WhatsApp film premiere. In the clip, Giannis is dancing and having a grand time. The Bucks commented, "Dancing king🕺." Other comments included, "You're probably one of the happiest people I've seen!," "Man, I love Giannis," "I love your spirit 😃," as well as tons of heart and flame emojis.

The Antetokounmpo family isn't new to talking about their journey. Earlier this year, Disney+ released the original film "Rise" based on the true story of the three young Nigerian-Green brothers, Giannis, Thanasis, and Kostas, who came to the United States and rose to fame with success in the NBA. The movie shows the struggles the family endured to get to where they are today.

The movie's official description on Disney+ starts off, "Audiences have never seen a story like that of the Antetokounmpos. After emigrating from Nigeria to Greece, Charles and Vera Antetokounmpo (Dayo Okeniyi and Yetide Badaki, respectively) struggled to survive and provide for their five children, while living under the daily threat of deportation. With their oldest son still in Nigeria with relatives, the couple were desperate to obtain Greek citizenship but found themselves undermined by a system that blocked them at every turn. When they weren’t selling items to tourists on the streets of Athens with the rest of the family, the brothers-- Giannis (Uche Agada) and Thanasis (Ral Agada)--would play basketball with a local youth team."

Rise | Official Trailer | Disney+

Giannis posted one of his famous dad jokes on Instagram recently to help promote the WhatsApp premiere. He captioned his video, "I’ve been holding this joke back for a while 😂😂 My new film with @WhatsApp, Naija Odyssey, drops tomorrow. #WhatsAppPartner."

Viewers of his clip commented their excitement for the new short film as well as another one of his dad jokes. "Protect Giannis at all cost 😂," "How can u not like giannis man," "Why did this actually make me laugh 😂," and many others filled the comment section.