HBO has ordered The Spread, a new original drama series starring and executive produced by Academy Award winner Javier Bardem. Set in Miami’s high-stakes financial world, the series will explore the intersection of wealth, ambition, power and ruthless competition as the city emerges as a major economic hub.
Bardem, a three-time Academy Award nominee known for his performances in Monster and other acclaimed projects, will lead the series. Three-time BAFTA nominee Matthew Vaughn, whose credits include Kingsman and Layer Cake, will direct and executive produce.
The series will be written and executive produced by three-time Emmy Award winner Bill Dubuque, known for Ozark and His & Hers, alongside Sean Sansiveri.
According to the series’ premise, Miami is transforming into “Wall Street South,” where elite hedge funds, industry titans and extraordinary wealth collide against a backdrop of nightlife, luxury and fierce competition.
At the center of the story is a visionary billionaire who assembles a team of brilliant, ambitious and dangerous individuals, unleashing their talents on the financial markets that power the American economy. His ambitions extend beyond building a financial empire. He wants to shift the nation’s economic center of gravity to Miami and determine how long the city’s high-stakes party will last.
The drama will examine the people and forces driving that transformation, blending the glamour of South Florida with the pressure and intrigue of the financial industry.
“Having long wanted to set a scripted series in Florida, HBO couldn’t be more excited to explore the gilded chaos of Miami and bring it to life with this kaleidoscope of extraordinary, visionary talent who is as fearless as the story itself,” said Francesca Orsi, executive vice president of HBO programming and head of HBO drama series and films.
The Spread is a co-production with FIFTH SEASON TV Studio. Brad Weston will executive produce for Makeready, alongside Ian Stratford and Michael Bloom for Topic Studios.
Noah Greenshner, executive vice president and head of TV creative for FIFTH SEASON, described the project as a story about power and ambition set against Miami’s glamorous backdrop.
“We’ve brought together an exceptional creative team to capture the energy of this world and city, and we’re thrilled to be working alongside them and our partners at HBO, Makeready, and Topic to bring it to life,” Greenshner said.
With Bardem leading the cast and Vaughn directing, The Spread brings together an accomplished creative team to explore the ambitions, rivalries and excesses shaping Miami’s evolving financial landscape.
HBO has not yet announced a premiere date or additional casting details.