Apple has dropped development of their planned Richard Gere star vehicle “Bastards.” The series, described as a violent and mature drama, is based on an Israeli mini-series.
Apple had acquired the rights to the series last year, outbidding Amazon, Showtime, and FX for the show. Apple had given the series a direct-to-series order.
Variety reports Richard Gere would have “starred as one of two elderly Vietnam vets and best friends who find their monotonous lives upended when a woman they both loved fifty years ago is killed by a car.”
The Israeli version of the show – called “Nevelot” (“Bastards” in Hebrew) – focused on two military veterans that go on a killing spree targeting young people.
The report’s sources say creative differences between Apple, Gordon, and Leight led to Apple’s releasing the project, even though they had to pay out a large financial penalty to the producers.
This is the second show Apple has shelved, the first being “Vital Signs,” a TV series based on the life of Dr. Dre. The Dre show was reportedly cut due to the show’s scenes of gun violence and drug use.
Apple is said to be avoiding “edgy” and adult-oriented content for their upcoming Apple TV+ streaming service. However, some of the content we’ve seen previews of, such as “The Morning Show,” looks to be adult-oriented, if not edgy.
A launch date for the Apple TV+ service hasn’t been officially announced, but it is expected to launch sometime this fall.