Full Breakdown
Sylvester Stallone and Cole Hauser Collaborate on 'Blood Aces' Series
2/3/2026, 8:07:17 PM
Overview of the Project
Sylvester Stallone's Balboa Productions, Cole Hauser's American Outlaw Entertainment, and MGM Television are developing a television series adaptation of Doug J. Swanson's book, *Blood Aces: The Wild Ride of Benny Binion, the Texas Gangster Who Created Vegas Poker*. The series will chronicle the life of Benny Binion, a pivotal figure in the establishment of modern Las Vegas gambling, showcasing his transformation from a hustler in Fort Worth, Texas, to a powerful casino mogul in Las Vegas.
Key Figures Involved
Cole Hauser, known for his role as Rip Wheeler in *Yellowstone*, is set to portray Benny Binion. Stallone will serve as an executive producer alongside D. Matt Geller for Balboa Productions, while Hauser will also take on an executive producer role with Randall Batinkoff for American Outlaw Entertainment. The project is currently in the early stages, with producers meeting potential showrunners.
The Story of Benny Binion
*Blood Aces* explores Binion's complex character, detailing his ruthless tactics and legal manipulations that helped him build a gambling empire. The narrative promises to capture his unapologetic style, which included outsmarting rivals and bending the law to his advantage. Binion's legacy is marked by his role in creating the World Series of Poker and his influence on the gambling industry.
Official Statements & Responses
Stallone expressed enthusiasm for the project, 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.” He emphasized the captivating nature of Binion's story and the suitability of Hauser for the role. Hauser echoed this sentiment, describing Binion as “one of the great Western American characters and success stories of the 20th century,” and highlighted the privilege of portraying such a complex figure.
Lindsay Sloane, MGM Television’s Head of Scripted Series, noted that Binion's story is a “sweeping American saga of ambition, risk, and reinvention,” indicating the series will offer a cinematic exploration of his life and the high-stakes world of poker.
Criticism & Opposition
While the project has garnered excitement, there are concerns regarding the portrayal of Binion's violent and controversial methods. Critics may question how the series will balance the glamorization of Binion's life with the darker aspects of his legacy, particularly his connections to organized crime and the violent tactics he employed.
What's Next
As of now, there is no confirmed production start date for *Blood Aces*, and it remains unclear whether Stallone will appear on-screen or focus solely on his production role. The project is positioned to expand MGM Television's library of original content, which includes various other series in the Western genre.
Conclusion
*Blood Aces* promises to be a gritty, character-driven drama that delves into the life of Benny Binion, exploring the origins of modern poker and the high-stakes world that shaped it. With Stallone and Hauser at the helm, the series aims to deliver a compelling narrative that captures the complexities of one of America's most notorious gambling figures.
