Michael Mann producing Vietnam War series 'Hue 1968'

Image from Mubi

By Darian Scalamoni

            Add this filmmaker to the long list of movie directors to take a shot within the “Golden Age of Television” as The Playlist reports that Michael Mann (Heat, Public Enemies) is in talks to produce Vietnam War series, Hue 1968. Mann will team up with the author of Black Hawk Down for the limited series that will also be produced by Michael De Luca (American History X, The Social Network).

            This isn’t Mann’s first foray into television as he’s worked on previous influential series such as Starsky & Hutch, Miami Vice and Crime Story. He also worked on David Milch’s HBO show, Luck before being cancelled after controversy of the mistreatment of horses on set. Bowden’s book, Hue 1968, that will be published next month follows the story of the Tet Offensive, the major event in the War that saw a surprise attack on the capital of Vietnam. The series will have many major characters ranging from revolutionary school students to President Lyndon B. Johnson. It sure sounds like a great idea especially coming from Mann, who has been on a cold streak recently. I’m hoping this ends up on a premium network that could take the 8-10 episodes and really focus on the characters and production design of the times.

            Mann is said to be focusing on his Enzo Ferrari biopic that starts shooting this year with Hugh Jackman and Noomi Rapace so we might be ways off from this series coming to fruition. How do you guys feel about Michael Mann headlining Hue 1968? Who are some stars you’d like to see star in the series? Comment below and give us your thoughts.