Colin Farrell in talks to join TV hit ‘True Detective’

Colin Farrell looks set to return to TV screens for the first time in almost a decade in a lead role in the second series of hit crime drama True Detective.

The critically-acclaimed first series of the HBO drama starred Hollywood heavyweights Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson as troubled police detectives attempting to solve a 17-year-old murder case.

But a new set of actors are set to take over the lead roles for season two, with Farrell now reportedly in talks with the show’s producers.

Deadline.com reports the 38-year-old Dublin actor is “deep in negotiations to play one of what is expected to be three main roles in Season 2”.

The report adds: “HBO would not confirm any of the potential castings, but I am confident that Farrell will be in the cast.”

In a recent interview with Movies Plus magazine, Farrell indicated his wish to star in a lead role in a major US TV drama series.

“Television is amazing at the moment, the production values are amazing, the writing is incredible, the acting is incredible across the board. It is, per creative piece, better than American cinema at the moment. The standard is phenomenal.”

Farrell’s last major TV role was in the Co Wicklow-set BBC drama Ballykissangel in the late 90s. He also made an appearance in the US medical sitcom Scrubs in 2005.

Season One of True Detective, consisting of eight episodes, screened earlier this year, attracted average audience figures of 11 million. Creator Nic Pizzolatto has confirmed the new season will be set in California and feature at least three lead roles.

Meanwhile Farrell, who recently starred on the big screen in Saving Mr Banks, has wrapped up production on Miss Julie opposite Jessica Chastain.