Yellowstone Star Cole Hauser Joins Forces with Sylvester Stallone for New Western Drama
Cole Hauser, renowned for his portrayal of ranch foreman Rip Wheeler in the hit series Yellowstone, is set to collaborate with Hollywood icon Sylvester Stallone on an ambitious new Western drama. The project, currently in development for the streaming platform MGM+, will see Hauser take on the lead role of legendary poker figure Benny Binion.
From Texas Horse Trader to Vegas Poker Pioneer
The series, titled Blood Aces, is based on Doug J. Swanson's revelatory non-fiction book Blood Aces: The Wild Ride of Benny Binion, the Texas Gangster Who Created Vegas Poker. The adaptation will chart Binion's extraordinary journey from a Texas horse trader to a formidable mob boss and casino proprietor, ultimately culminating in his founding of the World Series of Poker.
Swanson's work incorporates previously classified government documents that only became available after the book's initial publication in 2014, promising a deeply researched and authentic portrayal of this controversial historical figure.
Stallone's Vision for a 'New West Icon'
In an official statement, Sylvester Stallone described Benny Binion as a "New West icon" whose story connects multiple fascinating worlds. "He was a conduit connecting many worlds, some glamorous, some dangerous, some shady, but all intriguing," Stallone remarked. "While helping to build the foundation for both Las Vegas as we know it and the explosive worldwide popularity of poker."
Stallone continued with enthusiasm about the casting choice: "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."
Hauser's Perspective on a Complex Character
Cole Hauser released his own statement expressing both excitement and reverence for the role. "Benny Binion is one of the great Western American characters and success stories of the 20th century," Hauser declared. "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."
The actor added: "It's a privilege to play him and an honour to produce this with Sylvester Stallone and MGM to bring this incredible story to life."
Production Details and Creative Team
The series will be produced by Stallone's Balboa Productions alongside American Outlaw Entertainment for MGM+. Lindsay Sloane, MGM Television's Head of Scripted Series, commented on the project's significance: "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."
Sloane continued: "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 centre."
What This Means for Western Drama Fans
This collaboration marks Hauser's continued expansion beyond his iconic Yellowstone role, following his previous work with another Hollywood legend, Kevin Costner. For Western genre enthusiasts, Blood Aces promises to deliver a gritty, authentic portrayal of a pivotal figure in American gambling history.
While Yellowstone continues to be available for streaming on Paramount+, Blood Aces has yet to receive an official release date. The project represents a significant addition to the growing landscape of prestige Western dramas exploring the complex characters who shaped the American frontier's transition into the modern era.
