Anthony Wonke Dives into Johnnie Walker with 'The Man Who Walked Around the World'

After following the world’s biggest sports star in Ronaldo and capturing the journey of Star Wars in The Director & the Jedi, Partizan’s Emmy, triple BAFTA winning, and Oscar nominated director Anthony Wonke has turned his camera to the world’s largest Scotch whisky brand in a new feature documentary.

Set to air globally across Discovery’s portfolio of brands and services later this year, The Man Who Walked Around the World is an independent feature documentary created by Something Originals and produced by multi-award-winning production company Partizan. The feature documentary explores what it takes for a brand to become an icon in popular culture, and uncovers how, after 200 years, Johnnie Walker remains as relevant as ever.

Director Anthony Wonke said: “The story of Johnnie Walker is fascinating. It explores the alchemy of a brand and what it takes to create an icon. It has punch and depth – a brilliant history packed with intrigue and romanticism. Dig deeper and we find it has the potential to be so much more – a story about what makes us human, the things we can achieve and what keeps pushing us forward.”

Something Originals managing partner, Andy Hewitt, said: “We were determined to tell this unimaginable and incredible story. It’s not easy for a brand the size of Johnnie Walker to open themselves up to an independent production – but they believed in what we were trying to do. Partnering with Partizan, Anthony and Discovery, along with Johnnie Walker opening its archives and giving us access to their people, created the perfect blend to begin another bold chapter in this iconic brand’s story.” 

Diageo global Scotch director, John Williams said: “To have a world-class, Oscar-nominated director of Anthony Wonke’s calibre tell the Johnnie Walker story is incredibly exciting. It’s been 200 years since our story began and, in that time, Johnnie Walker has created a fascinating legacy. It has established itself in popular culture all around the world and been seen in the hands of world leaders, rock stars, film icons… you name it. To see it all brought together by a storyteller as talented as Anthony is absolutely thrilling for everybody involved with the brand.”

Discovery VP content sourcing and acquisitions, Myriam Lopez-Otazu said: “Discovery is a global leader in real life entertainment. We are delighted to partner with Something Originals, Partizan and Anthony to share the remarkable story of Johnnie Walker with our global audience.”

The Man Who Walked Around the World premieres globally on Discovery’s portfolio of brands and services later this year.