Mel Gibson will co-write and direct The Barbary Coast, a TV series set in the California Gold Rush era, starring Kate Hudson and Kurt Russell.
Gibson will have a recurring role in “The Barbary Coast,” which is set up at the Mark Gordon Co.
Bruce Davey, Oliver Hudson, Wyatt Russell and Rick Nicita will exec produce with Gibson, Russell, and Hudson. Entertainment One, the financier behind the Gordon Co., will handle worldwide distribution.
The project will be set in the San Francisco area in 1849, when the discovery of gold lured thousands of prospectors, adventurers and migrants people to California’s wild west. The Barbary Coast region was ground zero for the lawlessness and licentiousness that ensued.
“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,” said Gordon. “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.”
“The Barbary Coast” joins a long list of shows in production at the Mark Gordon Company, including Showtime’s “Ray Donovan,” ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Quantico,” and CBS’ “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders.” Gordon is also producing ABC’s straight-to-series drama “Designated Survivor” with Kiefer Sutherland.
Gibson has spending more time as a director than as an actor, but has rarely starred in a TV series, as have Russell and Hudson, though she did make an appearance in “Glee.”
