The drama series “Godfather of Harlem” from ABC Signature Studios has received a straight-to-series order from Epix, with the 10-episode series to star Oscar winner Forest Whitaker.

Whitaker will also executive produce through his company Significant Productions. Production on the series is expected to begin later this year, with a planned premiere on Epix in 2019.

“‘Godfather of Harlem’ tells the true story of infamous crime boss Bumpy Johnson (Whitaker), who in the early 1960s returned from ten years in prison to find the neighborhood he once ruled in shambles,” Epix says in today’s announcement. “With the streets controlled by the Italian mob, Bumpy must take on the Genovese crime family to regain control. During the brutal battle, he forms an alliance with radical preacher Malcolm X — catching Malcolm’s political rise in the crosshairs of social upheaval and a mob war that threatens to tear the city apart.”

For more about the project, please click here to read today’s full announcement from Epix.