Mahershala Ali joins HBO’s True Detective season 3 cast
By Hector Cruz
HBO confirms that Mahershala Ali has been cast in “True Detective” when the series returns for season 3.
After weeks of speculation, HBO has now confirmed reports that Mahershala Ali has officially joined the cast of True Detective as one of the show’s lead characters for season 3. According to EW, the cable network’s president of programming, Casey Bloys, revealed the news Wednesday during the Television Critics Association’s press tour, along with a few other details about a potential third season.
“I have read five scripts for a third season,” he said. “I’m very very impressed and excited about what I’ve read. I don’t want to give away the storyline, but I really think they’re terrific.”
It was reported earlier this year that True Detective was being revived with the involvement of David Milch (Deadwood), while creator Nick Pizzolatto had already written two episodes for the latest installment of the anthology series.
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However, HBO is still on the hunt for a director to helm the new episodes, returning to the format from season 1 when Cary Joji Fukunaga helped to successfully launch the franchise by directing all eight episodes of the self-contained story starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. That version received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike, earning several awards and nominations after it premiered in 2014.
However, season 2 failed to connect with audiences, in the same way, nearly burying the series for good. It featured an ensemble cast that included Colin Farrell, Vince Vaughn, Rachel McAdams and Taylor Kitsch, with several directors such as Justin Lin (Fast Five) overseeing each episode, eliminating the singular vision of the first season. None of the previous directors will return for season 3.
Ali, who won an Oscar for his supporting role in Best Picture winner Moonlight earlier this year, confirmed the news on Instagram. His TV credits include House of Cards and Luke Cage, both on Netflix.
Show Snob will keep you posted on all of the latest True Detective season 3 news, including cast updates and a premiere date, when they become available.