Michael Shannon, Taylor Kitsch to Lead WACO Miniseries on Spike TV

According to Variety, Viacom's Spike TV will present WACO, a six-part miniseries from Weinstein Television which will center on the true story of the 1993 FBI siege of a religious sect in Waco, Texas that culminated in a fatal shootout and fire.

Written by John Erick Dowdle and Drew Dowdle, and helmed by John Erick Dowdle, the project is schedule to begin production in Spring 2017. The series will follow "the TRUE LIFE details of a 51- day siege between U.S. government officials and David Koresh's spiritual sect, The Branch Davidians. The story will include perspective from people on both sides of the conflict, including surviving Branch Davidians - who have provided detail that stands in what producers said was "stark contrast to the media narrative at the time and what is remembered of Waco almost 25 years later."

Michael Shannon will portray FBI negotiator, Gary Noesner, while Taylor Kitsch will take on the role of cult leader David Koresh.

Commented Harvey Weinstein, TWC co-chairman, "'Waco' is a provocative series where the drama and excitement are amplified by the truth and the history surrounding the event, along with a cast of amazing actors including the incredible Michael Shannon and Taylor Kitsch. We are looking forward to working with Sharon Levy and her team to bring this story to life."

Michael Shannon most recently appeared on Broadway in LONG DAY'S JOURNEY INTO NIGHT. He made his Broadway debut in 2012's GRACE.

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