Kris Kristofferson has been tapped to play another famous Nashville, Tennessee alum: The actor and country music legend will portray President Andrew Jackson in History’s upcoming Texas Rangers miniseries, “Texas Rising.”
The eight-hour miniseries, which is co-produced by A+E Studios and ITV Studios America and produced by Thinkfactory Media (“Hatfields & McCoys”), covers the Texas revolution against Mexico during the 1830s. President Jackson avoided direct U.S. involvement in the battle, as the dicey situation would risk open war against Mexico, although he continued to monitor it. But Jackson, a mentor to and admirer of General Sam Houston, did come to realize that the fate of Texas would profoundly influence the future of the United States.
Bill Paxton, who costarred in “Hatfields & McCoys” and who hails from Texas, will play Houston.
“This iconic story and role really needed an American who is able to command the screen and captivate audiences,” said Greif. “For me Kris was an obvious choice, there aren’t too many actors that are able to embody this character and the stature, strength and liberty to play the part. We are currently in the midst of production and when I announced to the cast and crew that we got Kris – the set erupted in loud cheers and everyone was yelling, ‘yee-haw,’ we are blessed and thrilled that he enthusiastically jumped on board.”
The series is scheduled to air in 2015.
