Joseph Gordon-Levitt is set to play the former CEO of Uber in a new TV series from the co-creators of hit drama Billions.
The Hollywood star, known for his roles in blockbusters Inception and The Dark Knight Rises, will star as controversial entrepreneur Travis Kalanick in a drama about the ride-hailing app's ascent in Silicon Valley.
Brian Koppelman and David Levien, creators of the hugely popular Showtime series Billions, and Beth Schacter will executive produce, write and serve as showrunners on the series.
Gordon-Levitt contrasted playing Kalanick with the role he will take in Apple TV+'s upcoming series Mr. Corman, which follows a public school teacher in the San Fernando Valley.
He tweeted: "In a way, playing Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick in this limited series is the opposite of playing the role I wrote for myself in Mr. Corman — Travis is a cruel billionaire. Josh is a kind hearted public school teacher.
"Why do we reward misanthropes more than nice guys?"
In a way, playing Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick in this limited series is the opposite of playing the role I wrote for myself in Mr. Corman —
— Joseph Gordon-Levitt (@hitRECordJoe) May 24, 2021
Travis is a cruel billionaire. Josh is a kind hearted public school teacher.
Why do we reward misanthropes more than nice guys? https://t.co/rXxAyP1qmt
Kalanick founded Uber in 2009 alongside Garrett Camp.
A controversial figure, the billionaire was eventually ousted in a boardroom coup.
Super Pumped is an anthology series and each season will explore a story that rocked the business world, US network Showtime said.
The Uber season is based on Mike Isaac’s best-selling book Super Pumped: The Battle For Uber.
Amy Israel, executive vice president of scripted programming at Showtime, said: "Joseph Gordon-Levitt is a remarkably intelligent and charismatic actor, embodying charm with an unpredictable edge.
"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."
Gordon-Levitt has previously starred in TV shows like Comrade Detective, 3rd Rock From the Sun and Roseanne.
