Showtime’s ‘The Vatican’ Casts Hitler as The Pope, Seriously

Yes, you read that correctly. While Showtime's buzz-worthy upcoming drama pilot 'The Vatican' continues to use recent real-world headlines to its advantage, its latest casting might prove the most attention grabbing yet. Sources reveal that the Ridley Scott-helmed drama has tapped 'Downfall' star Bruno Ganz, famed for the internet parody "Hitler Reacts to Things," as 'The Vatican's Pope. Find out all about the latest casting for 'The Vatican' inside!

Showtime's upcoming drama pilot 'The Vatican' is bound to attract some major attention if the network opts to pick up the Ridley Scott-directed series, but likely no news will prove as entertaining or internet-baitable than its latest casting. The Hollywood Reporter informs us that actor Bruno Ganz, instantly recognizable as the 'Downfall'-memed incarnation of Adolf Hitler has landed the role of Pope Sixtus VI in the modern-day religious drama.

Described as an unassuming and an introspective Pope who struggles with his own legacy, Ganz joins a supporting cast that includes 'Trainspotting's Ewen Bremmer,  Anna Friel, Matthew Goode (‘Watchmen’) and Sebastian Koch (‘A Good Day to Die Hard‘) as Monsignor Iemma,  the Cardinal’s rebellious younger sister Kayla Duffy,  Papal Secretary Bernd Koch and Cardinal Marco Malerba, respectively.

‘The Vatican’ follows 'Friday Night Lights' star Kyle Chandler as 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 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.”

So, how long before the internet gets on a video about Bruno Ganz reacting to his casting for 'The Vatican?' Tell us in the comments if you'll watch Showtime's latest drama!