Discovery+ Sets GameStop Documentary Hosted by Jordan Belfort

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GameStop

ITN Productions is behind 'GameStop: The Wall Street Hijack.'

Discovery+ has unveiled an hour-long documentary on the sharp rise of video game retailer GameStop's stock, and the debate about it, hosted and narrated by Jordan Belfort of The Wolf of Wall Street fame.

The working title of the fast-turnaround doc, produced by ITN Productions, is GameStop: The Wall Street Hijack. It "explores the story of how a group of amateur traders played the Wall Street pros at their own game," according to a plot description. "Amidst all the political and pandemic news coverage, the story of GameStop and its skyrocketing stock price hit headlines." It adds that this was the story of "a group of young, risk-embracing day traders who were using social media to organize a massive stock buy-up."

Discovery+ described Belfort's role this way: "In a series of vignettes, Jordan will track the timeline of what happened in layman’s terms, and why we all need to pay attention." The project also promises to "feature insider accounts from those at the center" of what happened.

Simon Downing, senior vp, head of factual & sports, Discovery U.K. said: "Our investigative Discovery+ originals have been incredibly popular around the world and we’re delighted to bring fans this timely documentary next month. GameStop: The Wall Street Hijack is an informative, entertaining and jaw-dropping look at one the most riveting financial stories of our times."

Said Belfort: "Now I've found some very creative ways to make money on Wall Street, but I’ve got to say, personally, I love the fact that everyone now has the ability to organize and give the Wall Street players a run for their money, it’s a real David versus Goliath story. I’m praying that the amateur traders are victorious but one thing I can assure you of, it’s going to be a wild ride every step of the way!"

Belfort has followed and commented on the GameStop stock situation. Earlier this year, he  posted a video to YouTube, in which he reenacted a scene from the Wolf of Wall Street film, which was based on his 2007 memoir of the same name. In it, the one-time New York City multi-millionaire stockbroker encouraged (mostly Reddit) stock traders to not be intimidated by hedge funds and short-sellers.

The GameStop doc will premiere on Discovery+ in the U.K. on April 8 and then be rolled out in other markets later this year. A U.S. launch date wasn't immediately unveiled.