The next project from
Deadwood creator David Milch and Oscar-nominated film director Michael Mann brings us to the world of horse racing.
But don't dismiss HBO's Luck as anything like Seabiscuit or Secretariat. Sure, the sure will revolve around the goings-on in a race track, from the bettors to the jockeys to the horse owners, but it will go deeper -- beyond the race, and to the people that move it. In Milch's words, the show will tackle "not only in what happens in the clubhouse and the grandstand, but also on the backside of the track, where the training is done and where they house the horses."
Luck season 1 stars Oscar winner Dustin Hoffman as Chester "Ace" Bernstein, a prominent figure from the world of organized crime, who just got out of prison and returns to the race track, definitely to gamble, and perhaps for some more. Golden Globe winner Nick Nolte is also on board, as a man only known as "The Old Man" -- a horse trainer with a checkered past who believes he's been given a second chance.
Luck season 1 won't revolve around the, though: also on board are Crossing Jordan's Jill Hennessy, Mad About You's Richard Kind, Law & Order's Dennis Farina and Samantha Who?'s Kevin Dunn. Oh, and of course, Gary Stevens, retired jockey and Seabiscuit star. Luck's early episodes will also feature guest stars Michael Gambon and Joan Allen.
We know that Luck will be about horse racing, but we haven't much of an idea of what exactly will unfold when the show premieres next year -- but judging from the pedigree of the creators, and Dustin Hoffman being on board (he hasn't been on TV in a while, yes?) this is looking like a must-watch.
Luck premieres on January 29, 2012 on HBO, but the network will screen a sneak peek on December 11 this year, right after the season finale of Boardwalk Empire. But why not get a taster first?
(Image courtesy of HBO)