Posted on 05/05/2020 7:42:17 PM PDT by nickcarraway
Jim Gaffigan is preparing to play former Toronto mayor Rob Ford in a scripted series currently in the works at AMC, Variety has learned exclusively.
Jesse McKeown will write and executive produce, with Ed Helms and Mike Falbo executive producing under their Pacific Electric Picture Co. banner. Michael Dowse will executive produce and direct.
The dark comedy series would detail the rise and fall of the controversial Ford, who served as the mayor of Toronto from 2010 to 2014 after many years as a city councilor. He was infamously caught on video smoking crack cocaine during his reelection campaign and was known to suffer from other substance abuse issues.
Should the project move forward it would not be the first onscreen depiction of Ford. Damian Lewis played Ford in the film “Run This Town,” which debuted at SXSW last year.
Gaffigan is best known for his stand up comedy career, having released specials like “Beyond the Pale,” “King Baby,” “Mr. Universe,” “Obsessed,” “Cinco,” and “Noble Ape.” His most recent special, “Quality Time,” is currently streaming on Amazon. Gaffigan has played many comedic roles as an actor, but has taken on more dramatic roles recently, such as the films “American Dreamer,” “Above the Shadows,” and “Light from Light.”
McKeown most recently wrote for the hit USA Network drama “The Sinner,” as well as the cult hit Canadian comedy series “Letterkenny.” His other credits include “19-2,” “The Romeo Section,” “Da Vinci’s Inquest,” and “Da Vinci’s City Hall.”
Dowse recently worked with Helms on the film “Coffee & Kareem.” Dowse’s other feature directing credits include “Stuber,” “Goon,” and “What If.” On the TV side, he has helmed episodes of “Man Seeking Woman,” “Preacher,” “Future Man,” and “The Foundation.”
Gaffigan is repped by UTA, Brillstein Entertainment Partners, and Schreck Rose. Dowse is repped by UTA, Great North Artists Management, Fourth Wall Management, and Paul Hastings LLP. Helms is repped by UTA, Artists First, and Schreck Rose.
Wow he chose a very hard role to play. /s
I guess since Brian Dennehy died, the roe came to him.
Corrupt drug-addled black mayors are too “sensitive” for television—good thing this guy was out there... ;-)
This is important?
Any roles for black faced prime ministers?
Shoot 'em all, let God sort 'em out.
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