American primalNetflix’s six-episode limited series exploring the birth of the American West in 1857 will debut on January 9. In addition to the premiere date, the streamer also released first images featuring the cast, led by Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin. They confirm Kim Coates (Sons of Anarchy, The Walking Dead: Dead City) as the lead actor alongside Kitsch, Gilpin, Dane DeHaan, Shea Whigham, Saura Lightfoot-Leon and Derek Hinkey.

Directed by Pete Berg (Friday evening lights) and written by Mark L. Smith (The Revenant), American primal is a fictionalized dramatization of the violent clash of culture, religion, and community as men and women fight and die to hold or control land in the American West.

Coates plays Brigham Young, the leader of the Mormon Church and a man who will do whatever it takes to ensure the survival of his persecuted followers – including using his Mormon army, the Nauvoo Legion.

The footage also features Lucas Neff as Captain Dellinger, a disillusioned captain in the US Army who is responsible for keeping the peace in a very lawless country. Once an idealistic West Point cadet, Dillinger has grown weary and cynical as he struggles to stop the violence that constantly surrounds him.

The cast also includes Joe Tippett, Jai Courtney, Tokala Black Elk, Kyle Bradley Davis, Preston Mota, Shawnee Pourier and Nick Hargrove.

Berg and Smith executive produce with Eric Newman and Alex Gayner. Julie O’Keefe is an Indigenous cultural advisor and project advisor.