Mel Gibson Set for Mark Gordon Period Drama

LOS ANGELES: The Mark Gordon Company has unveiled the brand-new series The Barbary Coast, which will be directed and co-written by Mel Gibson and star Kurt Russell and Kate Hudson.

Gibson will also co-star via a recurring role in the show.

The show will use Herbert Asbury’s book The Barbary Coast as one of the elements that will influence the series. Bruce Davey, Oliver Hudson, Wyatt Russell and Rick Nicita will executive produce along with Gibson, Russell and Hudson. Entertainment One (eOne) will handle international distribution.

The project is set up through Gordon’s development, production and financing studio. The Barbary Coast begins with The Gold Rush in 1849, which saw an influx of gold-seekers, gamblers, thieves, harlots, politicians and other felonious peoples to what was then a small town. From that arose a unique criminal district.

“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.”