Stallone and Yellowstone Star Team Up for Texas Gangster Drama

Sylvester Stallone is once again expanding his television legacy, and this time he’s heading deep into the wild world of Texas crime and Las Vegas gambling. According to a new report from Deadline, the Tulsa King star is developing a brand-new prestige television series based on the book Blood Aces: The Wild Ride of Benny Binion.

The upcoming show will explore the dramatic life of Benny Binion, the infamous Texas gangster who helped shape modern Las Vegas and revolutionized poker. Adding even more excitement, Yellowstone star Cole Hauser has officially signed on to play Binion and will also serve as an executive producer.

This collaboration brings together two powerful Hollywood names and promises a gritty, character-driven series filled with ambition, danger, and high-stakes drama.

What Is Blood Aces About?

Blood Aces is based on the bestselling book by Douglas J. Swanson, which takes a deep and unfiltered look at Benny Binion’s life. The book is widely regarded as the most detailed and definitive account of how Binion rose from Texas outlaw circles to become one of the most influential figures in Las Vegas history.

The television adaptation will trace Binion’s journey from his criminal roots in Texas to his role in building the foundation of modern gambling in Las Vegas. The story explores how he changed poker forever, helped shape rodeo culture, and built a powerful family empire—often by bending or outright breaking the law.

This is not a clean success story. It’s a raw and intense portrait of a man who used intelligence, fearlessness, and violence to get ahead.

A Prestige Drama With Real History

The series is being described as a “prestige drama,” meaning it will focus heavily on character depth, historical detail, and high production quality. Rather than glorifying crime, Blood Aces aims to show both the brilliance and darkness of Benny Binion.

According to Deadline, the show will highlight Binion’s unapologetic personality—how he violently outsmarted rivals, controlled his territory, and reshaped the gambling industry to suit his vision. His influence helped turn Las Vegas into the global gambling capital it is today, for better or worse.

This approach puts Blood Aces in the same category as shows like Boardwalk Empire and Peaky Blinders, where real history meets cinematic storytelling.

Cole Hauser Steps Into a Legendary Role

Cole Hauser is best known to audiences for his intense performance as Rip Wheeler on Yellowstone. His tough, commanding screen presence makes him a natural fit to play someone as complex and dangerous as Benny Binion.

In addition to starring in the series, Hauser will also produce through his company American Outlaw Entertainment. His involvement behind the scenes suggests a strong personal connection to the story and character.

In his statement to Deadline, Hauser described Binion as one of the great American characters of the 20th century—full of ambition, vision, courage, and serious flaws. He emphasized that while Binion was controversial, his impact on American culture and Las Vegas is undeniable.

Sylvester Stallone’s Growing TV Empire

Sylvester Stallone continues to prove that television is now a major focus of his career. After the success of Tulsa King, Stallone has become one of the most influential figures in modern TV drama.

His production company, Balboa Productions, will produce Blood Aces in partnership with MGM Television. Stallone is expected to remain involved primarily as a producer, although it has not been confirmed whether he will appear on screen.

In his own statement, Stallone praised Douglas J. Swanson’s book for capturing the many worlds Benny Binion lived in—some glamorous, some dangerous, and some deeply shady. He also stated that the role was perfectly suited for Cole Hauser and expressed excitement about bringing the story to television.

How Benny Binion Changed Poker Forever

One of the most fascinating aspects of Blood Aces is how it will explore Binion’s impact on poker. He was the founder of the World Series of Poker (WSOP), which later became the most famous poker tournament in the world.

Binion believed in high-stakes games, open access, and rewarding bold risk-takers. His vision helped turn poker from a backroom activity into a global competitive sport watched by millions.

The series is expected to show how these ideas were born—not in luxury casinos, but through power struggles, criminal alliances, and dangerous decisions.

Texas Roots and Criminal Power

Before Las Vegas, Benny Binion was a feared figure in Texas. The show will dive into his early years, including his involvement in illegal gambling operations and violent conflicts with rivals.

These Texas chapters are expected to form the emotional and moral backbone of the series. They show how Binion’s mindset was shaped long before he reached Vegas—and why he ruled with such confidence and cruelty.

This contrast between dusty Texas streets and glittering Las Vegas casinos will give the show a strong visual and narrative identity.

Production Status and Release Timeline

As of now, Blood Aces does not have an official production start date or release window. Sylvester Stallone is currently busy filming Season 4 of Tulsa King, which may affect scheduling.

Casting beyond Cole Hauser has not yet been announced, and the streaming platform or network for the series has also not been revealed. However, with MGM Television involved, expectations are high for a major release.

Why Blood Aces Could Be a Big Hit

There are several reasons why this series has strong potential:

• A real-life story filled with crime, ambition, and power

• Two major stars with proven television success

• A mix of Western, gangster, and gambling drama

• Deep historical roots with modern relevance

Audiences continue to show strong interest in true-crime and historical dramas, especially when they explore morally complex characters. Benny Binion fits perfectly into that category.