Just a day after releasing the first images of Taylor Kitsch as cult leader David Koresh, Paramount Network has put out a trailer for its six-part miniseries Waco.
Waco explores the infamous 51-day standoff between Koresh’s religious sect the Branch Davidians and federal agents from multiple different perspectives. The series’ creators, Drew and John Erick Dowdle, say it is meant to explore both sides of the standoff, and portray both of them in a complex light.
THR reports:
“It’s rare you find a project that challenges you spiritually and story wise and character wise,” says John Erik Dowdle of the experience. Adds Drew Dowdle: “We’ve never done a true story before, especially one that’s so misunderstood, so it’s really fun in that regard. I feel like we’re doing something that means something.”
They aren’t the only ones taking the story seriously. Kitsch is said to have lived in seclusion studying scripture in preparation for the role. The series also stars Michael Shannon, John Leguizamo, Melissa Benoist and Shea Wigham.
Waco is part of the launch effort of Paramount Network, which is a rebranding effort from Spike TV that’s geared towards high-end drama. It will premiere in January of 2018.