Showtime orders ‘American Gigolo’ series reboot

Jon Bernthal in The Punisher

US network Showtime has ordered drama series American Gigolo, a reimagining of the 1980 feature film, with original producer Jerry Bruckheimer attached to the project.

David Hollander (Ray Donovan) will serve as showrunner, writing and directing the Paramount Television Studios-produced series, while Bruckheimer will executive produce, alongside Jonathan Littman and KristieAnne Reed.

The Punisher star Jon Bernthal will head the cast and also serve as a producer, playing Julian Kaye, who struggles to find his footing in the modern-day Los Angeles sex industry, 15 years after being set up and sent to prison for murder.

Gretchen Mol (Boardwalk Empire) also stars as Michelle, Kaye’s one true love, with whom he hopes to reconnect. Rosie O’Donnell, Lizzie Brocheré, Gabriel LaBelle and Leland Orser round out the main cast, while Wayne Brady is set to guest star.

“If you haven’t already fallen under the spell of Jon Bernthal, get ready,” said Showtime Networls president of entertainment Gary Levine. “Jon absolutely owns the screen with his searing, brooding and vulnerable performance in this contemporary version of American Gigolo.

“Writer/director David Hollander brilliantly reimagines the seductive original film, confronting the mystery, the exhilaration and the danger of our deepest desires.”