The Mark Gordon Company has put together big TV series package The Barbary Coast. The series will be directed and co-written by Mel Gibson, with Kurt Russell and Kate Hudson set to star. Gibson also will have a recurring role on the series. The project is inspired by Gangs of New York author Herbert Asbury’s book The Barbary Coast, about the birth of San Francisco.

Russell will executive produce with actor siblings Kate and Oliver Hudson, whom he raised with their mother Goldie Hawn, as well as Gibson, Bruce Davey,Wyatt Russell and Rick Nicita. Entertainment One, which is backing The Mark Gordon Co., will handle international distribution.

The Barbary Coast begins with The Gold Rush in 1849 which saw the biggest influx of gold-seekers, gamblers, thieves, harlots, politicians and other felonious parasites to the infant city. Thus aro se a unique criminal district that for almost seventy years was the scene of more viciousness and depravity – yet at the same time possessed more glamour and intrigue – than any other area of vice and iniquity on the American continent.

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“Most people don’t know the scandalous history behind San Francisco, and The Barbary Coast offers a rich portrayal of a period when success was often attained through illicit and brutal means,” said Mark Gordon. “I’m excited that Kurt and Kate are working together alongside Mel, whose astute direction will bring this devious time in our history to life.”

Hudson and Russell are reuniting onscreen after co-starring together in the upcoming oil rig disaster movie Deepwater Horizon. Gibson most recently directed Hacksaw Ridge, which is being released by Lionsgate.

Gibson and Russell are managed by Rick Nicita for RPMedia. Hudson is co-managed by Nicita for RPMedia and by Untitled Entertainment. Russell and Hudson are also repped by CAA.