Kevin Bacon to Star in Hulu's 'Southern Bastards' Drama Series

The versatile actor takes on the role of Earl, a military veteran with a complex family history and ties to organized crime.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 3:57am

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An extreme close-up of a weathered, distressed leather texture in deep brown and charcoal tones, capturing the gritty, hardscrabble atmosphere of a small Southern town.The rugged, lived-in textures of 'Southern Bastards' promise a gritty, suspenseful drama exploring the complexities of family and crime in a small Southern town.Dubuque Today

Kevin Bacon is set to star in Hulu's upcoming drama series 'Southern Bastards', based on the graphic novel of the same name. Bacon will play the character of Earl, the son of the legendary Sheriff Bert, in a story that explores themes of family, redemption, and the complexities of small-town life against the backdrop of organized crime. The series is directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and features a talented creative team, including writers Bill Dubuque, Nia DaCosta, and Matt Olmstead, as well as executive producers Ryan Coogler, Sev Ohanian, and Zinzi Coogler.

Why it matters

Kevin Bacon's involvement in 'Southern Bastards' is a significant draw for the series, as the versatile actor has proven his ability to captivate audiences across various genres. The show's exploration of complex family dynamics, redemption, and the interplay between small-town life and organized crime promises a gripping narrative that will likely resonate with viewers.

The details

In 'Southern Bastards', Bacon will portray Earl, a military veteran with a complex family history and potential ties to organized crime. Earl is described as a tough yet humble individual, eager to reconnect with his estranged daughter and willing to stir up trouble in his hometown. The series is based on the graphic novel of the same name by Jason Aaron and Jason LaTour, and the creative team includes director Reinaldo Marcus Green, known for his work on 'King Richard' and 'We Own This City', as well as writers Bill Dubuque, Nia DaCosta, and Matt Olmstead.

  • The series is set to premiere on Hulu in 2026.

The players

Kevin Bacon

A versatile actor with a long and acclaimed career, Bacon is set to play the lead role of Earl in Hulu's 'Southern Bastards' series.

Reinaldo Marcus Green

The director of 'Southern Bastards', known for his work on 'King Richard' and 'We Own This City'.

Bill Dubuque

One of the writers contributing to the 'Southern Bastards' teleplay.

Nia DaCosta

A writer on the 'Southern Bastards' series, known for her work on various projects.

Matt Olmstead

Another writer contributing to the 'Southern Bastards' teleplay.

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What’s next

The series is set to premiere on Hulu in 2026, and fans can look forward to more details and updates as the production progresses.

The takeaway

With Kevin Bacon's star power, a talented creative team, and Hulu's commitment to quality programming, 'Southern Bastards' has the potential to become a standout drama series that explores the complexities of family, redemption, and the impact of organized crime on small-town life.