HBO’s much-anticipated sophomore season of True Detective has been the subject of much speculation regarding its leading cast. Now, the cable giant has finally confirmed three names that we’d sort of assumed were pretty much on board: Rachel McAdams, Taylor Kitsch and Kelly Reilly.
The trio will join verified stars, Colin Farrell and Vince Vaughn, for the season that’s set to revolve around three police officers and a career criminal who “must navigate a web of conspiracy in the aftermath of a murder.” The show will be set in Los Angeles, with Pizzolatto penning the episodes and Justin Lin set to helm the first two.
If the premise doesn’t sound remotely like the McConaughey-Harrelson show you fell in love with this year, that’s because it won’t be picking up where that story left off. Where the first nine episodes of season one revolved around two detectives in Louisiana, the subsequent seasons will adopt the anthology approach. Hence the need for a slew of new talent to tell the tales. One thing’s for certain, judging by these newly-released character profiles; the darkness will definitely remain:
Rachel McAdams as Ani Bezzerides, a Ventura County Sheriff’s detective whose uncompromising ethics put her at odds with others and the system she serves.
Taylor Kitsch as Paul Woodrugh, a war veteran and motorcycle officer for the California Highway Patrol, running from a difficult past and the sudden glare of a scandal that never happened.
Kelly Reilly as Jordan, Frank Semyon’s wife, a former D-list actress who is a full partner in his enterprises and ambitions.
As for the previously confirmed cast:
Colin Farrell as Ray Velcoro, a compromised detective whose allegiances are torn between his masters in a corrupt police department and the mobster who owns him.
Vince Vaughn as Frank Semyon, a criminal and entrepreneur in danger of losing his empire when his move into legitimate enterprise is upended by the murder of a business partner.
There’s still a list of outstanding names reportedly connected to the show that today’s reports have not verified. In the last week, we’ve learned that Riley Smith, James Frain and Lolita Davidovich are slated to join the ensemble. While their involvement might be up in the air, expect a confirmation soon as True Detective season two enters production this week.