Two of Taylor Sheridan’s favourite stars are teaming up! Poised to produce a brand new crime drama named Blood Aces, Yellowstone‘s Cole Hauser and Tulsa King‘s Sylvester Stallone are set to collaborate with MGM Television on the “explosive” and “gritty” project. Based on Doug J. Swanson’s historical biography – Blood Aces: The Wild Ride of Benny Binion, The Texas Gangster Who Created Vegas Poker – Cole is expected to lead the series as cowboy and casino owner, Benny Binion.

Cole Hauser attends Paramount Network's "Yellowstone" season 5B NYC premiere on November 07, 2024 in New York City© Noam Galai
Cole Hauser will portray real-life Texas gangster Benny Binion in Blood Aces

As for Sylvester, it is unknown if the A-lister will appear in the series or serve solely as a producer. In an official statement, the Rocky star said: “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.”

Sylvester was seen for the first time with a cane© Getty Images
Sylvester Stallone will produce the series

Echoing this sentiment, Cole raved: “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.”

Blood Aces is in the early stages of development

With Blood Aces in the early stages of development, further cast additions have yet to be announced. According to Deadline, producers are in the process of meeting with some of the best showrunners in the business. In the meantime, MGM Television’s Head of Scripted Series, Lindsay Sloane, has teased what to expect. “Benny Binion’s story is a sweeping American saga of ambition, risk, and reinvention, set against the mythic backdrop of a rapidly evolving Las Vegas,” she began.

Benny Binion pictured at the county jail© Bettmann Archive
Benny Binion was a famous gambler, mobster and casino operator who founded the World Series of Poker

“With Sylvester Stallone and Cole Hauser at the helm, this project brings together bold, cinematic storytelling and a deeply compelling central performance to explore the origins of modern poker and the high-stakes world that shaped it. We’re thrilled to partner with such an exceptional creative team to deliver a prestige drama that is as gripping and unpredictable as the man at its center.”