Last King of the Cross: British actor Ian McShane to join TV series

British actor Ian McShane will join the cast of the new TV series Last King of the Cross, based on the life of Sydney nightclub identity John Ibrahim.

Last King of the Cross has secured another big name, with acclaimed British actor Ian McShane signing on to star in the highly anticipated Australian drama series.

One week after announcing celebrated Australian actor Lincoln Younes would bring the character of John Ibrahim to life on the small screen, it has been revealed McShane will play the lead antagonist, Ezra Shipman, in the series which is inspired by the life of the colourful Kings Cross nightclub identity.

SVP Content & Programming, Daniel Monaghan, said McShane’s previous work including that as smooth-talking criminal mastermind Teddy Bass in Sexy Beast will see him master the role of the reigning King of The Cross.

“We are incredibly thrilled to have an actor of Ian McShane’s calibre and body of work join our very own rising star Lincoln Younes, to tell this unique and captivating Australian story set amongst one of our country’s most iconic and notorious backdrops.”

Ian McShane will star in the Last King of the Cross.

While producer and Helium Pictures founder Mark Fennessy said: “From Winston to Blackbeard, Al Swearengen to Mr Wednesday, Ian McShane’s on-screen characterisations are the epitome of compelling masterpieces, and we cannot wait for the world to meet Ezra Shipman.”

Last King of the Cross has been written and will be directed by Kieran Darcy-Smith and is inspired by Ibrahim’s 2017 autobiography of the same name.

It is being produced by Fennessy, along with Karl Zwicky, and will screen locally on Paramount+ with international distribution set up by Cineflix Rights.

The series will be shot in Sydney.