James Gandolfini has joined the star-studded cast of Tony Scott's remake of "The Taking of Pelham 123."

According to Variety, Gandolfini will play the mayor of New York City, a man facing the pressure of an ugly hostage situation in which a gang of criminals (led by John Travolta) take over a subway car.

Denzel Washington will play the police officer attempting to reach a peaceful situation.

The project is set up at Columbia Pictures.

Winner of three Emmys for his career-defining turn on "The Sopranos," Gandolfini's recent credits include producing the HBO documentary "Alive Day Memories: Home from Iraq" and a co-starring turn with Travolta in the feature "Lonely Hearts." He's signed a day to produce and star in the basketball drama "ABCD Camp" for HBO.