Weinstein Television has teamed up with Spike for their highly anticipated event series Waco starring Michael Shannon and Taylor Kitsch. Previously announced in August, the six-part series is based on the harrowing true story of the 1993 FBI siege of a religious sect in Waco, Texas that resulted in the deadly shoot out and fire.
Waco will forever change the way the dramatic siege will be viewed. The landmark series will be the definitive untold story exploring the true life details leading up to and chronicling the 51-day siege between the FBI, AFT and David Koresh's spiritual sect, The Branch Davidians. Told from several perspectives of those most intimately involved from both sides of the conflict, including surviving Branch Davidians which has never been shared on television before, is surprising in its stark contrast to the media narrative at the time an what is remembered of Waco almost 25 years later.
Shannon (Revolutionary Road, Boardwalk Empire) will play FBI negotiator, Gary Noesner. Kitsch (Friday Night Lights, John Carter) will play the infamous cult leader, David Koresh.
Waco will be written by John Erick Dowdle and Dew Dowdle and directed by John Erick Dowdle. They will executive produce with Shannon, Kitsch, Harvey Weinstein, Bob Weinstein, David Glasser and Jennifer Malloy. Production will begin next spring.
"We've been working with our friend Kevin Kay at Spike for years. he has a rare gift for creating quality scripted television with commercial appeal and when he shared his vision for both the program and his goals for the network I knew we had found the perfect partner," said Harvey Weinstein, TWC co-chairman. "Waco is a provocative series where the drama and excitement are amplified by the truth and the history surrounding the event, along with a cast of amazing actors including the incredible Michael Shannon and Taylor Kitsch. We are looking forward to working with Sharon Levy and her team to bring this story to life."
"The dramatic events in Waco captivated the nation, and we are thrilled to partner with Weinstein Television and an all-star cast and production team to bring this incredible story to life," said Sharon Levy, Executive Vice President of Original Series, Spike.
