Well, it’s right there in the headline: Showtime’s upcoming drama series American Gigolo has abs and Rosie O’Donnell—what more could a gay possibly want in their television programming?
For better and for worse, we’re in the golden age of mining classic films and other old IP for new content. And, yes, all of these remakes and revivals can be a bit tiresome, but, my goodness, we think the premium cable network might be onto something here!
Based on Paul Schraeder’s 1980 film of the same name, American Gigolo stars Jon Bernthal as Julian Kaye, a Los Angeles escort to some high-class ladies. When he’s framed for the murder of one of his clients, Kaye is sent to prison—only to be released 15 years later for the wrongful conviction. The series picks up there, as the titular gigolo attempts to re-acclimate to the modern-day sex industry and find out the truth about who set him up all those years ago.
Related: Rosie O’Donnell’s 6 most memorable film roles ranked
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Showtime’s first smart move was casting Jon Bernthal as Kaye, a role originated by Richard Gere. Bernthal’s the kind of character actor who’s reliably great in everything—often playing bruisers, baddies, and the occasional brute with a heart of gold. Though he’s taken the occasional lead (most notably in Netflix‘s bygone Marvel series, The Punisher), American Gigolo looks like it could be the star turn this talented actor’s always deserved.
Oh, and did we mention he’s jacked? That too!
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The other major selling point here is that this show promises a great supporting part for Rosie Thee O’Donnell, further proving that we’re living in the Rosie-ssance. The icon will play Detective Sunday (Hector Elizondo in the original film), the investigator who helped exonerate Julian Kaye, thusly digging her way into a conspiracy much bigger than anyone imagined.
This looks like a far cry from O’Donnell’s former Koosh Ball-throwing public persona, and we can’t wait to see the gay icon dive into such a meaty part.
From Hollywood super-producer Jerry Bruckheimer and showrunner Nikki Toscano (The Offer, Hunters), American Gigolo also stars Boardwalk Empire‘s Gretchen Mol as Julian’s former lover and Whose Line Is It Anyway?‘s Wayne Brady as the gigolo’s mentor and best friend.
American Gigolo premieres September 11 on Showtime. You can watch its first trailer below:
DarkZephyr
I wonder if there will be any male clients or attempted male clients, and if so, how that will be handled.
Gadfeal
What is the point of redoing American Gigolo if the current generation aren’t able to view the original. White gigolo, Black pimp, rich White female clients.
That said, physically JM Bernthal is better suited than Richard Gere was. He is “beau-laid” and moves like someone who would fornicate or threaten at a moment’s notice. In reality, he is from a very privileged background in DC with highly successful parents and siblings – but his physical “aura” has cast him in these gritty character roles.
bachy
“Beau-laid” for sure! Sexy smashed nose.
bachy
I remember seeing the original American Gigolo and creaming at the vision of Gere’s apartment, fine artworks, gleaming exercise equipment and closets brimming with Armani shirts, suits, ties, shoes. A metrosexual paradise. I hope they unearth some of that early Giorgio Moroder music.
bigrawtop
What, 90% of male escorts serve men and they glorify the straight ones. The original movie was only interesting for Gere frontal nudity. That’s the only reason we cared. Unless this one has the same selling point, I would declare it a joke.
CatholicXXX
Hate the actor. Thankfully the series looks like garbage anyways.
Jaws1939
If he doesn’t have male clients pass.
mala
If abs is all there is, is it worth seeing? I thought us gays were beyond shows/movies that had no gay character and were heteronormative? Back then it made sense cause that was all we have, now I cringe at watching shows and movies that are straight dominant.
Jim
I hope the show isn’t as boring as the preview.
Invader7
It is. All fluff and no enjoyable content !