Tarantino & Stallone to Co-Direct 1930s Black & White Series

Quentin Tarantino and Sylvester Stallone are partnering to co-direct a six-part limited series set in the 1930s, according to reports confirmed by multiple sources. The project, described as a period crime drama, will be filmed in black and white using cameras from the 1930s to achieve an authentic aesthetic.

The series will center on the world of gangsters, showgirls, boxing, and music during the Great Depression, sources familiar with the project told TMZ. While casting details remain undisclosed, Stallone will focus solely on directing and will not appear on screen.

This collaboration marks a significant creative venture for both filmmakers. Tarantino, known for his distinctive style and non-linear narratives, previously explored a similar era with his 2009 film, “Inglourious Basterds,” which featured scenes set in 1939. Stallone has also worked within the gangster genre, portraying mob enforcer Frank Nitti in the 1991 film “Capone.” His 1978 directorial debut, “Paradise Alley,” while set in the 1940s, showcased a gritty, character-driven approach that aligns with the intended tone of the new series, according to reports.

The move to a limited series format aligns with Tarantino’s previously expressed interest in long-form storytelling. In 2022, during his book tour for “Cinema Speculation,” he indicated plans to develop an episodic streaming project, suggesting this series may be the realization of those early ideas.

Despite previously rejecting roles in Tarantino’s films “Jackie Brown” and “Death Proof” due to creative differences, Stallone and Tarantino share a mutual respect for each other’s work. Tarantino has publicly praised Stallone’s contributions to genre filmmaking, specifically citing “Rocky” as a formative influence and his directorial debut, “Paradise Alley,” as “the purest expression of a particular vision.”

Production is expected to prioritize historical accuracy, with the use of vintage 1930s cameras intended to capture a visual style consistent with the era. The series is currently in development, with no announced premiere date.