I thought we’re only supposed to dream about stuff like this. It’s not supposed to actually happen.
Mel Gibson will direct, co-write, and have a recurring role on a TV series called THE BARBARY COAST, about the Gold Rush in mid-1800s San Francisco. His lead actor? Kurt Russell.
Yes, Kurt Russell and Mel Gibson are going to star in a western TV series that Mel has written and directed.
The duo acted together in the gorgeous-looking (Conrad Hall-shot), underseen TEQUILA SUNRISE back in the ‘80s, where they had an impeccable chemistry as lifelong pals/rivals Mac and Nick (even more impressive when you realize that Kurt’s casting was last-minute). They remain two of the most looming A-listers of their generation, having had big, iconic hits in the 70s, 80s, 90s, and 2000s.
They are also Mad Max and Snake Plissken.
The series, which will also star Kurt’s pseudo-daughter Kate Hudson, will be based on a book by Herbert Asbury that was billed as a sequel to the author’s Gangs of New York. The book, like Gangs, is non-fiction, so they’ll likely have an artificial throughline to connect it all together like Leo’s story in Martin Scorsese’s film.
The Gold Rush is obviously a fascinating time in American history, a microcosm of everything that makes America legendary (ambition, westward expansion) and controversial (greed, the treatment of natives/immigrants). Kurt has clearly got the western thing down cold, and is in practice after both HATEFUL EIGHT and BONE TOMAHAWK last year, so expect that gorgeous ‘stache to come back in full swing. Mel is coming off of his HACKSAW RIDGE, his first film since APOCALYPTO, as well as another period project based on a true-life American story. Despite the myriad of controversies in his personal life, very few of us are not excited that the actor/director is jumping right into another project, one with KURT RUSSELL involved, no less.
We talk about our gods pairing up for amazing-sounding projects, or Mel directing more stuff, way more often than it actually happens. This is a joyous occasion.
Who you think will end up airing this bad boy? HBO? AMC? Netflix? ABC Family?
