Could Cary Fukunaga Find His Way Back to True Detective?

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Cary Fukunaga appears to be returning to TV in a big way. What about True Detective?

No, Cary Fukunaga will not be involved in True Detective season three. That possibility was ruled out by the man himself during the press tour for Beasts of no Nation. You know, that critically acclaimed film that wasn’t nominated for a single Academy Award. Beyond that, however, the future is pretty much wide open for Fukunaga.

Cary Fukunaga has two (that we know about) TV projects coming up. Both are produced by Anonymous Content, the producers of True Detective. One will be The Alienist for TNT, and the other will be the recently announced Maniac that doesn’t have a home yet, let alone a writer. Fukunaga will direct both, and it’s a fairly safe bet to say that he won’t have time for much else for the next year or so.

NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 16: (L-R) Idris Elba, Abraham Attah and Cary Fukunaga attend the TimesTalks: ‘Beast Of No Nation’ at Times Center on November 16, 2015 in New York City. (Photo by Grant Lamos IV/Getty Images)

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With his focus moving back to television, it feels timely to wonder about True Detective. We know from past interviews with Cary Fukunaga that he grew attached to the characters of the first season because he was deeply involved with the production of the show at that point. For him to return would likely mean there would have to be a similar relationship.

Fukunaga and Nic Pizzolatto appear to be on weird, frenemy-level terms. That could certainly have an effect on their future together, not to mention that it’s just easier to have multiple directors come in. That way, schedules don’t have to align exactly.

Next: Nic Pizzolatto doesn't have to work on True Detective next.

If Cary Fukunaga ever did return to True Detective, it won’t be at least until season four — if season four even happens. It’s a “never say never” situation, but it feels hazy and far-off. At this point it feels more likely for the two to just go their separate ways and be done with it.