HBO’s “Luck” to resume production for one more season

Reload · 04-01-12, 08:27 AM

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HBO has reconsidered its decision of cancelling hit series “Luck,” following an outpour of support from the show’s fans, with shooting slated to resume later this month. The cable giant had ceased production of the Sunday-night drama last month, following health and safety concerns of horses used in its racing sequences.

“We are happy to be heading back to the track,” said “Luck” executive producer Dustin Hoffman. The two-time Oscar winner will resume his lead role as Chester “Ace” Bernstein, while co-stars Dennis Farina, Nick Nolte, and John Ortiz have also been signed to contracts.

“This news is better than winning the Kentucky Derby,” said co-star Gary Stevens, who looks forward to the show’s return. The retired jockey turned actor took on the role of Ronnie Jenkins, a veteran rider coming back to the saddle amidst drug and alcohol addictions.

Several of the new season’s episodes are planned to be shot on location in Las Vegas, with character Jerry Boyle (Jason Gedrick) looking to cash in on his “World Series of Poker” entry. Farina mentioned a subplot where he drives Boyle and his poker-dealing girlfriend Naomi in a limousine to McCarron International Airport, where they are greeted by Robert DeNiro in a cameo role asking Farina if he’s “got the disks.”

Actors Tom Payne and Jill Hennessy will not be appearing in the new season, with their characters of jockey Leon Micheaux and veterinarian Jo Carter written out of the series. Supporting actress Kerry Condon is inked to return as apprentice jockey Rosie Shanahan, with even more frequent nudity planned of her than Season One.

“Luck” expects to retire its series production to stud at Season Two’s conclusion, leaving several cliffhangers looming for HBO’s planned motion-picture “Escalante: Life After Luck,” with Ortiz cast in the film’s lead. Former network standouts James Gandolfini and Jeremy Piven have also come to terms for appearing in the movie, which has a tentative release date of April 1, 2014.