Jon Bernthal is everywhere these days! The Walking Dead fans will never forget him for his portrayal of Shane Walsh, but it seems ages ago since he has played that role. Since then, he has been a very busy man. He is currently starring in HBO’s We Own This City to rave reviews, and next up, he will star in Showtime’s American Gigolo series.
Showtime’s series is based on the 1980s film of the same name that saw Richard Gere in the lead role as Julian Kaye. The series was created by David Hollander (Ray Donovan) and directed by Paul Schrader, who wrote and directed the original film. Jerry Bruckheimer, who produced the original, will serve as executive producer for the series.
The original film was a story about a Los Angeles male escort named Julian Kaye. His client list was exclusively upper-class women who provided him an income to keep up his expensive lifestyle of cars, clothes, and a luxury apartment. A materialistic and superficial person, Julian enjoys his career choice and the pleasure he and his clients receive. One night he is sent to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Rheiman, where things begin to get violent. Julian leaves before things get too out of hand, but Mrs. Rheiman is found dead, and Julian is the main suspect.
Jon Bernthal – American Gigolo
The Showtime series is set 15 years after the movie when Julian is released from prison after being wrongfully convicted of murder. Set in the present day, the teaser still has that 80s feel of the original.
He tries to acclimate to life on the outside while dealing with his former love, Michelle, while Detective Sunday tries to piece together what happened on that fateful night that saw Julian imprisoned. He must also deal with his troubled mother and the people who betrayed him.
American Gigolo cast
Jon Bernthal – Julian Kaye
Gretchen Mol – Michelle
Rosie O’Donnell – Detective Sunday
Lizzie Brocheré – Isabelle
Leland Orser – Richard Stratton
Wayne Brady – Lorenzo
Laure Liguori – Elizabeth ShannonHouse
Alex Fernandez – Panish
Additional cast members are Sandrine Holt, Taylor Blackwell, Chelsea Edmundson, Jay Alan Christianson, Vera Meyers, Melinna Bobadilla and Kondwani Phiri.
American Gigolo release date
The series’ first season will consist of eight episodes and premiere on Showtime on Sunday, September 11.
American Gigolo trailer
Bernthal is looking sharp in the official trailer for the American Gigolo series trailer. The trailer features a look at the modern reimagining of the original story that began in the 1980s film. Blondie’s “Call Me” sets the tone of the trailer as key players in this story are introduced.
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