Sylvester Stallone is one of the last remaining movie stars from the old Hollywood, but even he is willing to adapt to the times. Despite a critically praised, Academy Award-nominated performance in last year's "Creed," Stallone has decided to head to the small screen, where the buzz in entertainment is these days.
No, Stallone isn't retiring from movies. He has several silver-screen roles lined up, including a possible role in Marvel's "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2." But it does appear as if he wants to sink his teeth into something a bit more long-form.
Stallone is set to take on the lead role in Antoine Fuqua's "Omerta," a TV show adapted from the last book in Mario Puzo's "Godfather" series. Stallone will be playing the head of family-run mob organization, though not much else is known about the project. It's unclear where the project will end up or who else will be joining Stallone, but we're intrigued, nonetheless.
This will be the actor's first foray in narrative TV following his realty TV debut in "The Contender" alongside championship boxer Sugar Ray Leonard.
Director Fuqua is best known for enthralling action movies such as "Training Day," "The Equalizer" and "Southpaw." The director will next be seen behind the camera of Chris Pratt and Denzel Washington's "Magnificent Seven" remake, which is already generating plenty of excitement. Fuqua is no stranger to television, with "Training Day" currently being developed for the small screen. However, with Stallone leading this series, the director could give viewers a real deep dive into organized crime.
Stallone has ably made the transition from leading action star to aging wise old sage on screen. That trend will continue with "Omerta," as the head of a crime family will surely have a thing or two to teach his younger subordinates. Kudos to the veteran actor for embracing these "old man" roles rather than clinging to the adrenaline fueled projects of the '90s.
It is unknown when production on "Omerta" will begin.
Follow Brandon Katz at @Great_Katzby
