Kyle Chandler To Star In Showtime’s ‘The Vatican’

Kyle Chandler is set to star in the pilot episode of Showtime’s new series The Vatican.

Produced by Sony Pictures Television, show is billed as a contemporary thriller about spirituality, power and politics set against the backdrop of the Catholic Church. Chandler will play Cardinal Thomas Duffy, a progressive Archbishop of New York.

According to today’s announcement by Showtime’s President of Entertainment David Nevins, Chandler will lead the cast of The Vatican which starts production later this year. The series will co-star Matthew Goode (Watchmen, Match Point) and Sebastian Koch (The Lives of Others, A Good Day to Die Hard).

Chandler, best known for his Emmy-winning role as Coach Eric Taylor on Friday Night Lights, was a welcomed addition to the cast, says Nevins:

“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. With Kyle, Matthew Goode and Sebastian Koch, Ridley and Paul have put together a powerhouse cast to anchor this incredibly timely show.”

According to The Hollywood Reporter, three-time Oscar nominee Ridley Scott (Prometheus, Gladiator) is making his television directorial debut for the series’ pilot. Scott also co-wrote the 90 minute episode with two-time Oscar nominee Paul Attanasio (House).

Chandler has a long career in television. In addition to Friday Nights Lights, he has appeared in shows such as Homefront and Grey’s Anatomy. He was recently seen on the big screen in the films Argo and Zero Dark Thirty, both nominated in the Best Motion Picture category at this year’s Academy Awards.

In addition to Kyle Chandler’s role on Showtime’sThe Vatican, the actor can be seen in the upcoming feature film The Wolf of Wall Street, directed by Martin Scorsese.