Sylvester to direct cop drama 'Tenderloin'

New York: Action icon Sylvester Stallone is gearing up to direct Tenderloin, a police drama set in New York in the early 1900s.

The actor is developing the show with History, Variety reported.

Stallone will also serve as executive producer through his Balboa Productions and A+E Studios. Sons of Anarchy alum Stephen Kay is writing the pilot.

The Tenderloin is based on the true story of Charles Becker, a New York cop at the turn of the century and leader of the Strong-Arm Squad, tasked with going to war with the Italian, Jewish and Irish gangs in a violent New York City neighborhood called 'The Tenderloin,'" History said in its announcement of the project.

"Becker and his squad were dirty cops, but at the same time tried to impose order in a city controlled by gangs and Tammany Hall. In a stunning turn of events, Becker became the first and only policeman in US history sent to the electric chair for murder."

Eli Lehrer, exec VP and head of programming for the network, said they are excited to team up with Stallone on the show.

"This is a passion project for Sylvester, who has discovered new facts on Becker's case that shed new light on this infamous anti-hero. We look forward to joining forces with him to bring this incredible story to History audiences," Lehrer said.

A six-hour docudrama from historian Doris Kearns Goodwin and Railsplitter Films aims to present the man behind the face on the dollar bill through dramatic re-enactments, excerpts from his papers and interviews with historians.

Stallone will back as John Rambo in the fifth and final film in the franchise, Rambo: Last Blood, which will hit theatres on

September 20.