Billy Bob Thornton to Host Fox Nation Docudrama on the Mayflower Voyage

Actor Billy Bob Thornton is set to host and executive produce a new docudrama series about the Mayflower for Fox Nation. Titled "Billy Bob Thornton Presents: The Mayflower," the three-part project will premiere on the streaming service on November 23, shortly before the Thanksgiving holiday that the voyage helped inspire.

The series follows the Pilgrims' journey across the Atlantic aboard the Mayflower. It also covers the alliance formed between English settlers and the Wampanoag people, along with the conflict that ultimately nudged what had been British colonies toward an American identity.

Lauren Petterson, president of Fox Nation, praised the project in a statement. She called Thornton "a captivating storyteller with a unique ability to bring history to life." According to Petterson, the series "offers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on one of the most familiar chapters in American history," giving viewers a richer understanding of the people, conflicts and events behind the nation's beginnings.

The production team drew on a range of historical resources and experts while developing the series. Among them were historians at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, where portions of the series were filmed. They also consulted acclaimed historian Nathaniel Philbrick, author of "Mayflower: A Story of Courage, Community, and War."

In a prepared statement, Philbrick said the voyage "set into motion what would become the United States." He added his thanks to Thornton "for helping to bring this vital story from America's past to life."

Thornton joins a growing group of prominent creative figures who have worked with Fox Nation, a list that includes Martin Scorsese, Kevin Costner and Kelsey Grammer.

Thornton currently stars in the Paramount+ series "Landman." His film credits include "Bad Santa," "The Alamo," "Bandits" and "Monster's Ball." He also wrote, directed and starred in "Sling Blade."

The series is produced by AIRtime Projects and Terminal B, TV. Its executive producers are Thornton, Geyer Kosinski, Tom Forman, David Metzler and Jordan Rosenblum, along with showrunner and executive producer John Ealer.