HBO orders Martin Scorsese’s rock drama starring Bobby Cannavale to series

Last Updated on August 5, 2021

HBO is finally moving forward with the much talked about rock 'n' roll show from Martin Scorsese. The untitled show has been sporadically in the news since 2010 and was expected to go into production early this year, but that obviously didn't happen. Better late than never I suppose, HBO just put in a series order for the drama, which stars Bobby Cannavale, Olivia Wilde, Ray Romano, and Juno Temple just to name a few.

The show is set in 1970s New York and will focus on the "drug and sex-fueled music business as punk and disco were breaking out." Martin Scorsese is set to direct the pilot episode and will also be an executive producer alongside Mick Jagger, Rick Yorn, Victoria Pearman, Emma Tillinger Koskoff, George Mastras and Terence Winter who will also serve as showrunner. Winter you recognize of course from producing The Sopranos, Boardwalk Empire, and he wrote THE WOLF OF WALL STREET for Scorsese.

Cannavale stars as Richie Finestra, a New York City record executive with a knack for discovering top talent and who must make a life-altering decision. Wilde is set to play Devon Finestra, Richie’s wife, she’s an ex-actress and model, but after feeling the effects of Richie’s present crisis, she opts to tap back into her former lifestyle.

Here are the rest of the character descriptions via HBO:

Ray Romano as Zak Yankovich, one of Richie’s partners, the tough and savvy Head of Promotions of American Century with decades of experience dating back to the dark, mob-infested days of the recording business.

Juno Temple as Jamie Vine, an ambitious assistant in the A&R Department of American Century. She uses her keen abilities to manipulate people and blend into the various subcultures of the New York music underground in order to break through the glass ceiling and get ahead at the record label.

Andrew “Dice” Clay as Frank “Buck” Rogers, the cocaine-fueled owner of a chain of radio stations.

Ato Essandoh as Lester Grimes, a former singer and ex-colleague of Richie Finestra.

Max Casella as Julius “Julie” Silver, nurturing yet with an explosive temper, and the Head of A&R of American Century, who struggles to stay hip and relevant in the young man’s game of the rock ‘n’ roll business.

James Jagger as Kip Stevens, lead singer of Nasty Bits, an early punk-rock band.

Jack Quaid as Clark Morelle, a young A&R executive at American Century who struggles for a foothold in the competitive environment of the A&R team.

Birgitte Sorenson as Ingrid, a Danish actress favored by Andy Warhol and close friend of Richie Finestra’s wife, Devon.

P.J. Byrne as Scott Levitt, Head of Legal for American Century Records.

J.C. MacKenzie as Skip Fontaine, Richie’s partner and Head of Sales for American Century Records.

Bo Dietl as Joe Corso, a thuggish “independent promotion man” who may or may not have ties to organized crime.

Armen Garo as Corrado Galasso, a New York mob boss.

Robert Funaro as Tony Del Greco, chief enforcer for a New York mob boss.

Well color me excited for this one; it's always magic when Scorsese and Winter get together and I expect nothing less here. I can already imagine the fantastic soundtrack this show is going to have to go along with the great drama that Winter is known for. Finally we have something to fill that hole in our hearts left by Boardwalk Empire ending this year; we will keep you posted on this one!