Netflix has announced that it has picked up the upcoming Western anthology series The Ballad of Buster Scruggs from Joel and Ethan Coen, and is set to premiere the show in 2018.
“The Western anthology will feature six tales about the American frontier told through the unique and incomparable voice of Joel and Ethan Coen,” reads the official press release. “Each chapter will feature a distinct story about the American West. The project will star Tim Blake Nelson as Buster, and many others.”
“The Coens are visionary directors, masterful storytellers, and colorful linguists,” stated Netflix original content VP Cindy Holland. “We are thrilled for Netflix to become home to the full range of their talents.”
Described by the Coens as “a feature-length omnibus”, The Ballad of Buster Scruggs will consist of six different stories:
“The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs” follows a singing cowboy.
“Near Algodones” is about a high-plains drifter whose own fecklessness dogs his attempts at bank robbery and cattle driving.
“Meal Ticket” follows an actor and impresario of a traveling show.
“All Gold Canyon” is about a prospector who happily finds a gold seam but then unhappily finds an evil encroacher.
“The Gal Who Got Rattled” follows two trail bosses on the Oregon Trail and a woman on the wagon train who needs the help of one of them and who might be a marriage prospect for the other.
“The Mortal Remains” follows five very different passengers on a stagecoach of mysterious destination.
Originally published August 10, 2017. Updated April 16, 2018.
