It's not often that one sits down and has a good hard think about global ride sharing app Uber, and how it became one of the most popular taxi-app's of this decade. That is, until now, with the news that Showtime has ordered an anthology series entitled Super Pumped, where the first season is set to tackle the rise of ride-sharing app, Uber.
Each season of Super Pumped will explore a story that "rocked the business world to its core and changed culture" according to Variety, and first up is Uber, where 10 Things I Hate About You star Joseph Gordon-Levitt will play Travis Kalanick, Uber’s first CEO and co-founder, who was eventually ousted in a boardroom coup. The series, which is based on New York Times writer Mike Isaac’s book Super Pumped: The Battle for Uber and will depict the chaotic reign of Kalanick's time as CEO (2010-2017), including the roller-coaster of scandalous reports filed against him, like hosting a toxic work environment, sexual assaults and cover-ups, a tipping scandal, underpaying drivers, and more drama.
Variety has confirmed that model, actor and friend of RUSSH, Bridget Gao-Hollitt, will join Gordon-Levitt, alongside queen, Uma Thurman, Kyle Chandler, Kerry Bishé, Babak Tafti, Mousa Hussein Kraish, Jon Bass, and Hank Azaria.
According to Variety Gao-Hollit will play Gabi, a passionate violinist who captivates Travis as his profile begins to soar. This will be her second on-screen debut after appearing on Home and Away.
“Joseph Gordon-Levitt is a remarkably intelligent and charismatic actor, embodying charm with an unpredictable edge,” Amy Israel, executive vice president of scripted programing at Showtime told Variety. “We are beyond excited to see what he will bring to the role of Travis Kalanick, the hyper-brilliant and controversial CEO whose ambition and reckless drive threatened the very enterprise he was determined to build. We are equally thrilled to be partnering on another series with Brian Koppelman, David Levien and Beth Schacter, who always deliver provocative and deeply entertaining shows that drive cultural conversation.” She said.
Brian Koppelman and David Levien, creators of the Showtime series Billions, and Beth Schacter have signed on to serve as executive produces, writes and showrunners on Super Pumped. Paul Schiff, Stephen Schiff and Allyce Ozarski will also executive produce, with Isaac co-executive producing. There is no release date thus far, but stay tuned for more updates.
