Netflix Announces The Roman Starring Oscar Isaac

Netflix has officially titled its upcoming Las Vegas drama The Roman, with the series set to star Oscar Isaac as Robert “Bobby Red” Redman [1]. The project, which explores the high-stakes world of the modern casino business, has also expanded its cast with the addition of several new series regulars [1, 2].

Key takeaways

• Oscar Isaac stars as Bobby Red, the president of a prominent Las Vegas hotel casino [1].
• The series is created, written, and executive produced by Brian Koppelman and David Levien [1].
• New cast members include Betty Gilpin, Alec Baldwin, David Costabile, Shalom Brune-Franklin, and Jimmy O. Yang [1, 2].
• JC Chandor is set to direct the first two episodes of the hour-long drama [1].

Expanding the Cast of The Roman

The series, which centers on the dangerous and competitive landscape of present-day Las Vegas, features a significant ensemble cast [1]. Betty Gilpin has been cast as Marla Blake, a brilliant lawyer and the wife of Bobby Red who is described as being as adept at navigating the city’s dark corners as her husband [1]. Alec Baldwin joins the production as Paul “Primo” Clark, a legendary business technician and the chairman of the organization who serves as a surrogate father figure to Bobby [1].

David Costabile will portray Bill Saverick, a rival casino operator and long-time associate of Bobby who often finds himself caught between friendship and the aggressive business tactics common in the city [1]. Additionally, Shalom Brune-Franklin and Jimmy O. Yang have been confirmed as new series regulars, though specific details regarding their roles have not been disclosed [2].

Production and Creative Leadership

The Roman is created by Brian Koppelman and David Levien, the duo behind Billions and Super Pumped, who also serve as showrunners and executive producers [1]. The production team includes a notable list of executive producers, such as Martin Scorsese and Sikelia Productions, as well as Julie Yorn, Rick Yorn, Paul Schiff, and Beth Schacter [1]. JC Chandor is attached to direct the first two episodes of the series and will also serve as an executive producer, with Kerry Orent joining as a co-executive producer [1].

Why it matters

The series marks a high-profile addition to the Netflix slate, blending a modern setting with the creative pedigree of showrunners known for exploring complex power dynamics [1]. By focusing on the "sharp-elbowed" nature of the contemporary casino industry, the show aims to provide a modernized look at the legendary city of Las Vegas [1]. As the project moves into production, the combination of a veteran creative team and a large ensemble cast positions it as a significant upcoming drama for the streaming platform [1, 2].