Kurt Russell, Kate Hudson and Mel Gibson are joining forces.
The trio are set to star in a new TV drama about the 1849 Gold Rush from The Mark Gordon Company (Grey’s Anatomy), it was announced Monday.
Inspired by the book of the same name from Gangs of New York author Herbert Asbury, The Barbary Coast begins with the Gold Rush of 1849, which saw the biggest influx of gold-seekers, gamblers, thieves, harlots, politicians and other felonious parasites to the infant city of San Francisco. A unique criminal district subsequently arose that, for almost 70 years, was the scene of more viciousness and depravity — yet at the same time possessed more glamor and intrigue — than any other area of vice and iniquity on the American continent.
Russell and Hudson, his stepdaughter, will headline the project, with Gibson set to recur. The Oscar winner will also direct and co-write the project. He will also executive produce with Russell; Hudson; her brother, actor Oliver Hudson; Russell’s son, actor Wyatt Russell; Bruce Davey; and Rick Nicita. Set up through The Mark Gordon Company, Entertainment One will handle international distribution of the series, which is not yet attached to a network. Sources tell The Hollywood Reporter that The Mark Gordon Company plans to shop the show to premium cable networks and streaming services.
Related Stories
“Most people don’t know the scandalous history behind San Francisco, and The Barbary Coast offers a rich portrayal of a period when success was often attained through illicit and brutal means,” Gordon said Monday in a statement. “I’m excited that Kurt and Kate are working together alongside Mel, whose astute direction will bring this devious time in our history to life.”
This marks a rare TV turn for all three stars. Hudson most recently recurred on the fourth season of Glee, in addition to her film credits that include Almost Famous, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days and the upcoming Mother’s Day. Russell’s last TV credit dates back to a 1977 appearance on the original Hawaii Five-O. His recent big screen roles include Furious 7 and The Hateful Eight, as well as the upcoming Guardians of the Galaxy sequel. Gibson’s acting roles have been few and far between in recent years,. An Oscar winner for his directorial work on Braveheart, he most recently appeared in Expendables 3.
For The Mark Gordon Company, The Barbary Coast joins such veteran dramas as Grey’s Anatomy as well as Criminal Minds and Ray Donovan in addition to freshman hit Quantico and Kiefer Sutherland’s upcoming Designated Survivor.
Gibson and Russell are repped by CAA and RPMedia; Hudson is repped by CAA, RPMedia and Untitled Entertainment.
