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History‘s Texas Rising has cast its president.
Singer-actor Kris Kristofferson has been tapped to play President Andrew Jackson in the eight-hour miniseries, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
The event series, from A+E Studios and ITV Studios America and produced by Thinkfactory Media, hails from Hatfields & McCoys‘ Leslie Greif, who will executive produce the mini. Rising, which will premiere in 2015, will detail the Texas Revolution against Mexico and the rise of the legendary Texas Rangers, the oldest law enforcement group in North America. Part one is written by Greif, Darrell Fetty and Ted Mann, the latter of whom co-wrote Hatfields for History. Nights two, three and four will be written by Greif and Fetty.
STORY: Bill Paxton, Brendan Fraser Among History’s All-Star ‘Texas Rising’ Cast
During the Texas Revolution, Jackson avoided direct U.S. involvement and was unwilling to risk open war against Mexico as he continued to monitor the political situation. But Jackson was a mentor to and admirer of Gen. Sam Houston (Bill Paxton), and he realized the fate of Texas would profoundly influence the future of the U.S.
“This iconic story and role really needed an American who is able to command the screen and captivate audiences,” Thinkfactory CEO Greif said. “For me, Kris was an obvious choice. There aren’t too many actors that are able to embody this character and the stature, strength and liberty to play the part.”
Kristofferson won a Golden Globe for his role in A Star Is Born. His credits include the Blade trilogy, Billy the Kid, Fast Food Nation, Dolphin Tale and more. He’s repped by ICM Partners.
He joins a cast that includes Brendan Fraser, Ray Liotta, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Thomas Jane, Olivier Martinez, Chad Michael Murray, Michael Rapaport and Max Thieriot, among others.
Email: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
Twitter: @Snoodit
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