‘Friday Night Lights” Kyle Chandler Joins Showtime’s ‘The Vatican’

A few months ago we brought you the news that Showtime and acclaimed director Ridley Scott were plotting an ambitious, if controversial move to craft a drama around the papal scene of 'The Vatican,' one surely spurred along by the recent real-life controversy in Rome. As the pilot season soldiers on, Showtime's 'The Vatican' has made some impressive additions to the cast, most recently that of 'Friday Night Lights' and 'Zero Dark Thirty' star Kyle Chandler! Find out Coach Taylor's new holy role on 'The Vatican' inside!

Clear eyes and full hearts may never get the 'Friday Night Lights' movie off the ground, but that doesn't mean Kyle Chandler will be hurting for work anytime soon. Sources report that Chandler has just scored the lead role in Showtime's buzz-worthy upcoming drama 'The Vatican' portraying 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.”

Written by Oscar-winner Paul Attanasio and with a pilot helmed by master director Ridley Scott, ‘The Vatican’ is described as “a provocative contemporary genre thriller about spirituality, power and politics – set against the modern-day political machinations within the Catholic church. The series will explore the relationships and rivalries as well as the mysteries and miracles behind one of the world’s most hidden institutions.”

In addition to Chandler, Matthew Goode ('Watchmen') and Sebastian Koch ('A Good Day to Die Hard') have joined the cast as Papal Secretary Bernd Koch and Cardinal Marco Malerba, respectively. “Kyle Chandler is one of the most talented and sought-after actors working today,“ says Showtime president David Nevins. “With Kyle, Matthew Goode and Sebastian Koch, Ridley and Paul have put together a powerhouse cast to anchor this incredibly timely show.”

What say you? Does Ridley Scott’s ‘The Vatican’ sound like it can't lose? Tell us if you'll watch Kyle Chandler's TV return in the comments!