Emmy Award winner Kyle Chandler (“Friday Night Lights,” Argo, Zero Dark Thirty) has been cast in the lead role of the drama pilot “The Vatican,” a provocative contemporary genre thriller about spirituality, power and politics – set against the modern-day political machinations within the Catholic church.
Chandler will portray Cardinal Thomas Duffy, the charismatic yet enigmatic Archbishop of New York, whose progressive leanings excite some and alarm others within the hierarchy of the Catholic Church. Matthew Goode (A Single Man) and Sebastian Koch (A Good Day to Die Hard) have also joined the cast.
“The Vatican” will begin production in 2013 and is being produced by Sony Pictures Television in association with Showtime for series consideration. The announcement was made today by David Nevins, President of Entertainment, Showtime Networks Inc.
“Kyle Chandler is one of the most talented and sought-after actors working today, and was a fantastic creative partner through five seasons of ‘Friday Night Lights,'” said Nevins. “With Kyle, Matthew Goode and Sebastian Koch, Ridley and Paul have put together a powerhouse cast to anchor this incredibly timely show.”
“The Vatican” will explore the relationships and rivalries as well as the mysteries and miracles behind one of the world’s most hidden institutions. Two–time Oscar nominee (Quiz Show, Donnie Brasco) and three-time Emmy nominee (“House M.D.“) Paul Attanasio wrote the hour-long script. Oscar nominee and Golden Globe-winner Sir Ridley Scott (Gladiator, Prometheus) will direct the pilot – marking his first ever for television. Attanasio, Scott, and David Zucker (“The Good Wife“) will serve as executive producers.
