Nick Nolte in Negotiations for 'Luck'

Television News

Nick Nolte in Negotiations for "Luck"

By our guest blogger, Matt Jussim

Nick Nolte is in negotiations to play a thoroughbred trainer in HBO's upcoming series "Luck."

According to Variety: The two-time Oscar nominee is in final negotiations to join Dennis Farina, Dustin Hoffman and John Ortiz in the network's horseracing pilot.

Series takes place in the world of horse racing and gambling, which is familiar turf for creator David Milch, who owns several horses. The story follows a diverse group of characters surrounding the racetrack. It centers on an intelligent, intuitive tough man (Hoffman) who always has been involved with gambling.

Nolte's last prominent TV role was 34 years ago in the ABC miniseries "Rich Man, Poor Man." Nolte would portray the trainer of a horse.

Michael Mann, who is directing the pilot, will also exec produce along with Milch and former HBO programming topper Carolyn Strauss. Henry Bronchtein ("The Sopranos") is co-exec producer.

Say what you will about Nick Nolte, when he’s on (“Affliction,” “48 Hours”), he’s really on. I think this HBO show is a nice fit for him, and the cast is really turning out to be an all-star one. The fact that it's from David Milch and Michael Mann just adds to the excitement.

Shooting is scheduled to begin in a few weeks, and HBO is aiming to get the drama on the air by early 2011.