Forget what you think you know about the ’90s. Wicked Pictures and director Seth Gamble are rewinding the clock to the adult film industry’s so-called “golden era” with their ambitious new drama, ‘Once Upon a Time in the Valley,’ and it’s already generating serious buzz. The first episode just dropped, and it’s a high-glamour, high-stakes dive into an era of big hair, big egos, and even bigger secrets.
A Story with Soul
This isn’t just another movie for director Seth Gamble. It’s personal. He’s billing it as a character-driven story that peels back the curtain on the intoxicating highs and crushing lows of chasing fame in 1990s Los Angeles. The series follows Steve Jacobs, a fresh-faced newcomer played by Ken Feels, whose ambition pulls him deep into the seductive, and often dangerous, world of adult entertainment.
Speaking on the project, Gamble didn’t hold back on his passion, making it clear this was a labor of love.
“This wasn’t just a project—it was a piece of my soul,” Gamble shared. “Wicked believed in this vision and helped bring it to life. I worked with the most talented cast and crew I’ve ever known.”
Recent posts from Gamble on his social media, like his X account @sethgamblexxx, have been filled with behind-the-scenes glimpses and gratitude for his team, underscoring the collaborative spirit of the production.
An Electric Cast Ignites the Screen
The story kicks off with an intense premiere scene between Ken Feels and the magnetic Sinatra Monroe. Gamble himself praised their dynamic, which sets the entire emotional and erotic tone for the series.
“Ken Feels and Sinatra Monroe—your first scene together was electric,” Gamble raved. “You gave life to these characters and set the tone for the entire series.”
The cast is rounded out by industry heavy-hitters Parker Ambrose and Jennifer White, who add layers of gravity and allure, hinting at the tangled web of rivalries, betrayals, and fragile alliances that Steve is about to get caught in. This focus on strong casting and character chemistry is part of a larger trend in the industry, with studios and directors realizing that fans are hungry for compelling stories and not just disconnected scenes.
More Than a Throwback: A New Wave of Storytelling
‘Once Upon a Time in the Valley’ arrives at a time when the industry is embracing more cinematic, narrative-driven content. Gone are the days when a simple premise was enough. Creators like Gamble are pushing the envelope, crafting feature films with complex plots and character arcs that rival mainstream dramas. It’s a tribute to an era, yes, but it’s also a forward-thinking move, investing in the idea that a great story is the ultimate fantasy.
The movie’s tagline says it all: it’s a story about “chasing dreams and what happens when the dream starts chasing you.” It explores the raw ambition and vulnerability that fuel the industry, both in front of and behind the camera.
As the first episode goes live exclusively on Wicked, one thing is clear. Seth Gamble and his team have created something that aims to be memorable. And if the director’s final words are anything to go by, we’re in for a wild ride.
“Every frame reflects the passion, patience, and brilliance of our team. This is just the beginning.”
* Photo from avn.com
