James Franco has been cast alongside Maggie Gyllenhaal in a new period porn drama for HBO.

The Deuce, which will be written by The Wire’s David Simon, will explore the rise and legalisation of New York’s sex industry in the 70s and 80s. It will also explore the events that surrounded it: including the period’s HIV epidemic, the cocaine craze and the rocketing rise of the housing market.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, the show is inspired partly by real-life mobster twins Frankie and Vincent Martino – who became pivotal players in the Times Square scene, helping to build up the porn industry from its origins. Somewhat predictably for the notorious multitasker, Franco is currently set to play both brothers – while Gyllenhaal will support as entrepreneurial prostitute-turned-porn-star, “Candy”. Both actors will also produce the project.

Although it’s a big coup for the premium cable network, HBO have yet to confirm an episode count or premiere date. However, it’s currently listed as being in “post-production” – so expect the final product to arrive later this year.