Television is about to get 200% spicier asJon Bernthalnabs the lead in Showtime’sAmerican Gigoloadaptation pilot. If theAmerican Gigolopilot moves into a series at Showtime, Bernthal would return to TV in a major way after star-making turns in TV shows like AMC’sThe Walking Deadand Netflix’s Marvel seriesThe Punisher.
It’s been a long road to a pilot order forAmerican Gigolo.This TV adaptation has been in the works since 2014. If the pilot is successful,American Gigolowill become a full-fledged series. Thanks to a Showtime press release, we know the cable channel has ordered a pilot for the series which will be written and directed by formerRay DonovanshowrunnerDavid Hollander. Bernthal is both a producer on the project and lead character Julian Kaye, the character first played byRichard Gerein the 1980 movie of the same name written and directed byPaul Schrader. Serving as an executive producer on theAmerican GigoloTV series isJerry Bruckheimer, who also produced the movie, as well asJonathan LittmanandKristieAnne Reedof Jerry Bruckheimer Television.
Plot details for the Bernthal-ledAmerican Gigoloseries have also been revealed by Showtime. The new series “is a present-day reimagining of the iconic 1980 film.” Schrader’s feature followed Gere’s Julian as he went from in-demand Los Angeles gigolo to the prime suspect in the murder of a high-powered businessman’s wife. TheAmerican GigoloShowtime series sees Bernthal’s Julian “introduced 18 years after he’s been arrested for murder and struggling to find his footing in the modern-day Los Angeles sex industry, while seeking the truth about the set-up that sent him to prison all those years ago and also hoping to reconnect with Michelle, his one true love.”
In a statement on theAmerican Gigoloseries, Showtime’s Co-President of Entertainment Gary Levine remarked:
“American Gigolocomes with all the sizzle you’d expect, but it also offers a deep dive into the complicated waters of relationships and sexuality in 2020. We’ve assembled an ‘A’ team to adapt this iconic movie into a Showtime series with the talent and magnetism of Jon Bernthal, the exquisite filmmaking and showrunning of David Hollander, the legendary Jerry Bruckheimer and our new sister studio, Paramount.”
There is no official word on additional casting nor do we know when the pilot is set to begin filming and subsequently debut on Showtime.
Before you go, make sure you check out our round-up of thebest ’80s movies on Netflixyou can watch right now.
