A new report from Deadline has revealed the latest project that is in development from Tulsa King star Sylvester Stallone: a television series adaptation of Blood Aces: The Wild Ride of Benny Binion, the Texas Gangster Who Created Vegas Poker. The book is described as “a definitive deep dive into the life of the man who built the foundation of modern Las Vegas gambling.” The upcoming series has also set actor and producer Cole Hauser to play Benny Binion. Hauser is best known for his work on the hit television series Yellowstone, and will also be producing under his production company banner American Outlaw Entertainment.
Balboa Productions, Stallone’s own production company, will also be producing in partnership with MGM television. The series, tentatively titled Blood Aces, is being described as a “prestige” series as it recounts Binion’s exploits in Texas and how he eventually made his way to Vegas. Specifically, the way that Binion managed to redefine poker, rodeo, and gambling will be explored in great detail, as the real-life historical figure helped shape modern day Vegas, for better or worse. Deadline describes the upcoming portrayal of Binion as capturing “his unapologetically bold style, from violently outsmarting rivals to building a family empire and bending the law to his will.”
In a statement provided to Deadline, Stallone would say the following about the book as well as the series:
“Douglas J. Swanson’s book captures the incredible life of Benny Binion, a New West icon who was a conduit connecting many worlds, some glamorous, some dangerous, some shady, but all intriguing, while helping to build the foundation for both Las Vegas as we know it and the explosive worldwide popularity of poker. This is a story that will captivate audiences, and it’s a role made for Cole Hauser to play. I am proud and excited to partner with Cole to bring this story to life.”
Cole Hauser Will Be Bringing an Infamous Real-Life Figure to Life in ‘Blood Aces’
It will be interesting to see how Hauser brings the character of Binion to life, out of the pages of history onto the small screen. The Yellowstone actor has been known for the intensity of his roles, something that he will surely carry over into his work in the upcoming Blood Aces adaptation. Hauser would provide his own statement to Deadline, giving an insight into his excitement and passion for the adaptation, saying:
“Benny Binion is one of the great Western American characters and success stories of the 20th century, loaded with ambition, vision, balls, and like all controversial characters, many flaws. His legacy is undeniable. How he built it is an incredible story which we can’t wait to tell. It’s a privilege to play him and an honor to produce this with Sylvester Stallone and MGM to bring this incredible story to life.”
There is currently no known start production date for the upcoming adaptation. Stallone is currently in the middle of shooting the fourth season of Tulsa King, and it is currently unknown if the actor/producer will also be involved in front of the camera as a character in the series.
- Birthdate
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July 6, 1946
- Birthplace
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New York City, New York, USA
- Birthname
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Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
