“The Punisher” actor Jon Bernthal is set to take over the famous male escort character of Julian Kaye, originally played by Richard Gere in director Paul Schrader’s 1980 thriller film “American Gigolo,” in a new Showtime series of the same name.
The events of the series will take place in the present day as Julian tries to figure out why he was framed for murder after serving 15 years in jail.
The series also stars Gretchen Mol as Julian’s former lover, Rosie O’Donnel as Detective Sunday, Lizzie Brocheré as Isabelle, Gabriel LaBelle as Johnny, a younger version of Julian; Leland Orser as billionaire Richard Stratton, and Wayne Brady as Julian’s closest friend Lorenzo.
Bernthal, who rose to prominence as Shane in “The Walking Dead,” had earlier told GQ that he was surprised to be cast in the lead role.
“I do not believe that I possess any kind of natural sex appeal. I’ve always looked at myself as this weird-looking guy. It’s crazy to me, but it scares me — and that’s why I’m gonna see it through,” he said.
Watch the teaser for the ten-episode Showtime series below: