A new television series is in development that will dramatize the life of Benny Binion, the Texas gangster who played a pivotal role in creating modern Las Vegas poker. Sylvester Stallone, the star of Tulsa King, is producing the adaptation of the book Blood Aces: The Wild Ride of Benny Binion, the Texas Gangster Who Created Vegas Poker. This upcoming show will center on Binion’s influence on gambling, poker, and rodeo culture, telling the story of how he shaped Las Vegas as it is known today. The series will also feature Cole Hauser, known from Yellowstone, as the lead portraying Binion, with Hauser also joining Stallone as a producer through his company American Outlaw Entertainment.
Stallone’s production company, Balboa Productions, is collaborating with MGM Television to produce this prestige project, tentatively titled Blood Aces. The series aims to highlight the controversial and complex nature of Binion’s character, delving into his strategies, family ties, and his manipulation of the law to build a powerful gambling empire. According to Deadline, the portrayal of Binion will reflect
“his unapologetically bold style, from violently outsmarting rivals to building a family empire and bending the law to his will.”
Portraying a Legendary Western Figure: Cole Hauser as Benny Binion
The casting of Cole Hauser, a well-known actor from the hit series Yellowstone, brings a dynamic intensity to the role of Benny Binion. Hauser’s history of playing complex characters suggests he will bring depth to the depiction of Binion’s ambition and flaws. Hauser expressed his enthusiasm for the project, sharing:
“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.”
– Cole Hauser, Actor and Producer
Hauser’s involvement as both lead actor and producer indicates a strong creative investment in faithfully bringing Binion’s story to life while collaborating closely with Stallone and MGM. The project promises to explore the multifaceted personality of Binion—a man capable of both ruthless business tactics and visionary success.
Stallone’s Vision for Bringing Binion’s Story to the Screen
Sylvester Stallone expressed his deep admiration for the source material and the potential of the series, stating:
“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 Stallone, Actor and Producer
Stallone’s comments highlight the significance of Binion’s life as a bridge between various social landscapes and as a figure central to the growth of poker’s global appeal. The series aims to portray the breadth of Binion’s world—from its glamorous allure to its dangerous edges—offering a rich, character-driven narrative.
Production Status and What to Expect Next
As of now, there is no confirmed date for when filming will begin on Blood Aces. Sylvester Stallone is currently engaged with the fourth season of Tulsa King, and it remains unclear whether Stallone will also appear on screen for this new project or focus solely on producing. The collaboration between Stallone, Hauser, and MGM suggests a strong foundation for a compelling exploration of Binion’s legacy.
The story of Benny Binion has yet to be dramatically portrayed on television, and this adaptation offers a potentially definitive account of a man who helped reinvent gambling culture in America. With its focus on Binion’s controversial methods and enduring impact, Blood Aces could resonate with audiences drawn to crime dramas, historical narratives, and stories of American ambition.
