Jerry Bruckheimer adapting sexual thriller American Gigolo as a TV series

Last Updated on August 2, 2021

Despite a weak run of recent films (THE CANYONS, DYING OF THE LIGHT, DOMINION: PREQUEL TO THE EXORCIST), Paul Schrader is still the guy who wrote TAXI DRIVER and RAGING BULL. Amongst his better films as director, AMERICAN GIGOLO stands out. The 1980 film has had a lasting impact on films and now looks to be on the cusp of being a part of pop culture yet again.

Jerry Bruckheimer, who served as producer on AMERICAN GIGOLO, is reportedly developing the film as a TV series. Bruckheimer would serve as executive producer and Schrader would consult on the project. Bruckheimer has several series on the air and this could be another hit if executed properly. Bruckheimer issued this statement about the project.

“With its signature noir aesthetic, AMERICAN GIGOLO has remained a deeply entertaining, psychological thriller and I’m thrilled to partner with Brad and Amy on remaking it into a television series.”

AMERICAN GIGOLO was a psychological thriller that followed Richard Gere as a narcissistic male escort who gets embroiled in a murder investigation. Part noir, the film also represents one of the first instances of full frontal male nudity from a major actor in Hollywood. One would assume the new film would be destined for a pay cable channel, but you never know what the major networks would be willing to put on air these days.

This is yet another example of a film being rebooted for the small screen and while it is early in development, it seems like this is just the tip of the iceberg for what will come next.