James Gandolfini Rides Back to HBO

[WyldeMan45]

James Gandolfini Flags Down TAXI 0-22 for a Ride Back to HBO

We know for certain that The Sopranos star James Gandolfini is coming home to HBO in a producing capacity at the very least for the network’s adaptation of French Canadian sitcom Taxi 0-22. But the really exciting news is that Gandolfini may once again grace the airwaves of the network that made him a star, and assume the lead role. Dave Flebotte (Desperate Housewives) is scripting the adaptation, which centers on “a politically incorrect cab driver in New York City struggling to keep his life together” [Deadline].

Gandolfini’s career has been relatively quiet since The Sopranos went off the air in 2007, though he impressed in the British comedy In the Loop and as the voice of Carol in Where the Wild Things Are. Gandolfini has reportedly eyed a number of HBO projects as potential vehicles over the past couple years; another contender is set in the Arctic (wish I knew more about this one).

“The series stars Patrick Huard as Montreal cab driver Rogatien Dubois Jr. II. The first season is predominantly set inside Dubois’ dark blue taxi, a Ford Crown Victoria, and the comedy unfolds through his interactions–usually opinionated and deeply held–with the guest stars and other passengers who ride in his cab. Season two expanded the show’s narrative to focus more on stories and characters outside of his taxi. Dubois speaks a thickly accented and rapidly delivered Quebec slang.”

It doesn’t sound all too dissimilar from HBO’s nineties flagship Taxicab Confessions, save for a role reversal between cabbie and passenger. And lest we forget, the art of cab driving formed the narrative well of one of the greatest sitcoms of all time, Taxi. I hope this project comes together because, especially if Gandolfini takes the lead, it sounds like a great weekly viewing. And if this one doesn’t work out, let’s get the man a ship and chart a course for that Arctic series.

[Monolithium]

I'd watch this.

[supersix4]

Originally Posted by Johnothan Pedak

I'd watch this.

Same!

Gandolfini was such a clutch mob boss I hate seeing him do other things , but I would watch this

[WyldeMan45]

I was wondering how long it'd be before the rest of the cast especially James got back into tv. Edie took that Nurse show, but I think it's garbage so I don't watch. I'd really love to see Pauly Walnuts back on my tv too.

[supersix4]

Originally Posted by WyldeMan45

I was wondering how long it'd be before the rest of the cast especially James got back into tv. Edie took that Nurse show, but I think it's garbage so I don't watch. I'd really love to see Pauly Walnuts back on my tv too.

I'd like to see them do a sopranos with an entire new hierarchy in a new city

[WyldeMan45]

Originally Posted by supersix4

I'd like to see them do a sopranos with an entire new hierarchy in a new city

Well maybe you should trot on over to this here thread and take a peak and what's coming in the fall.

[Moviefan1203]

I want to know some details about the potential show set in the Arctic! The setting alone piques my interest.

[WyldeMan45]

Originally Posted by Moviefan1203

I want to know some details about the potential show set in the Arctic! The setting alone piques my interest.

Yeah that show sounds far more interesting to me than this taxi show, however I have been unable to find anything more myself than what I posted below, not for lack of trying I assure you.

Gandolfini has been under a deal at HBO since 2006 and has flirted with a number of series projects, including one that would’ve had him portray a Roger Ailes-type character at a cable news channel, but is yet to commit to star in its follow-up series to The Sopranos. Another potential candidate is a show set in the Arctic, which is in very preliminary stages. On the film side, Attaboy has been developing with HBO Hemingway, a feature about the tempestuous romance between Ernest Hemingway and war correspondent Martha Gellhorn, as a starring vehicle for Gandolfini. Gandolfini also executive produced the HBO documentary Alive Day Memories: Home From Iraq.