A New Leading Role for Kevin Bacon
Kevin Bacon is officially heading to the small screen for a compelling new project. The veteran actor, known for his iconic roles in films like Footloose, has been tapped to star in the upcoming Hulu drama pilot Southern Bastards. This highly anticipated project is based on the gritty graphic novel series created by Jason Aaron and Jason LaTour.
The pilot is being developed by a powerhouse team, including Disney’s Onyx Collective, POV Entertainment, and Ryan Coogler’s Proximity Media, in association with Fifth Season. The creative vision for the series is being spearheaded by director Reinaldo Marcus Green, with a teleplay written by Bill Dubuque, who is also collaborating on the story alongside Nia DaCosta. Matt Olmstead is set to serve as the showrunner for the production.
The Story of Craw County
The narrative of Southern Bastards centers on a tenacious military veteran who arrives in Craw County, Alabama, on a mission to find her estranged father. Upon her arrival, she discovers a dangerous environment dominated by organized crime, which is controlled by the region's most successful high school football coach.
Kevin Bacon is slated to play Earl, the son of the town's legendary Sheriff Bert. Earl is described as a tough, humble Army veteran who is eager to reconcile with his daughter, even if it means confronting the corrupt forces that have taken hold of his hometown. While casting for other roles remains under wraps, the addition of a performer of Bacon's caliber signals a significant commitment to the project's quality.
A Busy Slate for the Veteran Actor
This new role continues a prolific period for Bacon. He recently starred in and directed the horror-comedy Family Man, which debuted at SXSW earlier this year. His recent television work includes appearances in the Netflix dark dramedy Sirens and the supernatural horror series The Bondsman on Prime Video. Additionally, he is attached to the upcoming A+E documentary series History’s Strange Fortunes with Kevin Bacon.
As Southern Bastards remains in the pilot phase, fans can expect further updates regarding the series' development in the coming months. With such a strong creative team and a seasoned lead, the project is already generating significant buzz within the streaming landscape.