Actor Frank Grillo has been prominently making himself known in the action genre with titles like Warrior, this year’s releases of Captain America: The Winter Soldier and The Purge: Anarchy, and next Spring’s production of The Raid remake. It’s a notable pattern, and one in our favor as action fans as we look toward another effort that now sees the actor in a mentoring role for DirecTV’s gritty new mixed martial arts original series drama, Kingdom.
Kingdom” is a story about family, loyalty, ambition, glory, lust, betrayal and the raw-nerve needs and desires that inspire people to greatness or drive them to unthinkable treachery. The series takes place in Venice, California and is set against the backdrop of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). The “Kingdom” cast is led by Frank Grillo (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, Homefront, Warrior), who returns to the ring to play Alvey “King” Kulina. Kiele Sanchez (“The Glades,” “Lost”) plays Lisa Prince, his long-time girlfriend. Matt Lauria (“Friday Night Lights”) plays Ryan Revis, the intelligent, good looking world-class athlete who had it all, including Lisa Prince, who shows up at Alvey’s gym after doing time in prison, which was precipitated by a spiraling drug addiction. Jonathan Tucker (“Parenthood”) plays Jay, Alvey’s eldest son, once a promising fighter, who is struggling with addiction. Nick Jonas plays Nate, Alvey’s youngest son and the prized fighter at the gym. Joanna Going (“House of Cards,” “Mad Men”) plays Christina, Alvey’s estranged wife and mother to Jay and Nate.
Series creator Balasco is executive producer and showrunner. “Kingdom” is produced by Endemol Studios. The series will be distributed internationally by Endemol Worldwide Distribution.
