Michael Shannon, Taylor Kitsch & Ludacris Head To Texas For Limited Series 'Waco'

To date, writing and directing duo John Erick Dowdle and Drew Dowdle don’t have the most inspiring CV, with a string of mostly low rent thriller and horror pictures to their name including “No Escape,” “As Above, So Below,” “Devil,” and “The Poughkeepsie Tapes.” But it speaks to the power of the true story that will fuel their next project, that they’ve managed to line up some impressive talent as they head to TV for a limited series.

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Michael Shannon, Taylor Kitsch and uh, Ludacris, are all slated to star in “Waco.” Based on the books “A Place Called Waco” by Branch Davidian David Thibodeau and “Stalling for Time: My Life as an FBI Hostage Negotiator,” the film will detail the FBI’s controversial siege on the compound in the titular Texan city, led by cult leader David Koresh, telling the story with perspectives from both members of that closed community and the authorities. Kitsch will play the charismatic Koresh, with Shannon as negotiator Gary Noesner, and Ludacris as a member of the Branch Davidians, with John Erick Dowdle directing.

Compelling subject matter to be sure, and a pretty strong lead lineup too. The Weinstein Company will take “Waco” out to networks soon, and certainly, it’s a pretty hot package that’s likely to earn plenty of attention. The story what happened in Waco, Texas has spurred no shortage of books and documentaries, including the Academy Award nominated “Waco: The Rules Of Engagement,” which you can watch below. [THR]