Hot Picks: The Last King Of The Cross

Inspired by John Ibrahim’s best-selling autobiography, Last King Of The Cross tells the true story of two brothers’ ascent to power as Australia’s leading night club moguls, and how they become estranged in the process.

Described as “refreshingly different and authentic” by Helium founder and chief creative officer Mark Fennessy, the 1990s-set series follows brothers Sam and John Ibrahim, who arrive in Australia as poverty-stricken immigrants from Tripoli.

With no education or prospects, they set themselves up as night club bosses, climbing the ladder to become the de facto rulers of one of the world’s most infamous red-light districts: King’s Cross in Sydney.

“Two immigrant Lebanese brothers controlling the decadent, crime-infested but very sexy district of Kings Cross is a delicious contrast to the usual Australian backdrops of Bondi Beach and the Outback,” Fennessy says. “It’s a salacious, violent and gripping crime story that crosses borders and cultures – it’s not a side of Australia many would have seen or ever knew existed.”

Cineflix Rights head of scripted Jamie Durie likens the series to The Wire or The Sopranos.

“We’re certainly playing within that space but elevating and moving the genre forwards. It will be very easy for viewers to recognise the world we are painting,” he says.

“We’d love to get an Australian drama anchored in the US with a great partner”

The ensemble cast – which features Lincoln Younes as John and Reservoir Dogs’ Tim Roth as antagonist Ezra Shipman – is crucial, Durie adds, offering the “scope and cinematic feel” that brings commercial value and the potential for return. “We’re building a brand, that’s how we are positioning it,” he says.

The attraction of established IP and ’90s nostalgia will lure buyers, Durie says, and a major European partner is close to boarding the project.

Durie says Roth’s presence adds “a bit of Hollywood stardust” to the series, making the US a key territory.

“We’re in advanced conversations there. We’d love to get an Australian drama anchored in the US with a great partner,” he admits.

The team are currently showing the first episode to buyers. “As material roll outs, we’re seeing an extraordinary level of interest and enthusiasm,” says Fennessy.