Casting on 'True Detective' season 2 has been equal parts crapshoot, publicist spin and investigative free-for-all, but where we thought a female lead had been narrowed between 'Mad Men''s Elisabeth Moss and Rachel McAdams, the dam has burst wide open to suggest that Jessica Biel, Rosario Dawson, Marvel favorite Jaimie Alexander and at least 4 more names are all in the running for our next 'True Detective' mystery.

The latest report comes courtesy of The Wrap, who suggest that while HBO and numerous publicists have declined to comment on any potential shortlists, the very fact that 'True Detective' has expanded the search for its lead female role bodes ill for previous candidates Moss and McAdams. Now, the outlet suggests that of 7 (!) likely candidates invited back to read for for the role, 'The Keeping Room''s Brit Marling, 'Game of Thrones' Oona Chaplin and 'Black Box''s Kelly Reilly stand the least chance, with Jessica Biel, Malin Akerman and 'Thor'/'Open''s Jaimie Alexander landing on a higher tier, and Rosario Dawson potentially proving the strongest for the role.

All are supposedly being eyed for the role of Ani Bezzerides, a tough, small-town Monterey sheriff with gambling and alcohol issues, who reports to Sheriff James O'Neil and Deputy Sheriff Marla Simenon, while her partner Elvis Ilinca may be nursing a crush on her. Ani also reportedly has a hippie-type father who was absent when she was growing up, as well as a younger sister who isn't afraid to show off her body.

When last we'd heard, the second season of 'True Detective' was said to follow the death of a corrupt city manager in a fictional California city, amid a groundbreaking transportation deal that would drastically change the state. Three law enforcement officers from different cities and branches of the government would be tasked with finding the culprit, only to discover the investigation has broader and darker implications than they initially thought.

Previously, Colin Farrell and Taylor Kitsch have been rumored as the male leads for the second season, with Vince Vaughn supposedly in talks to play a more villainous character. 'The Killing' and genre vet Michelle Forbes had also supposedly been in talks for a supporting character, while 'Fast & Furious' franchise director Justin Lin was recently attached to helm several episodes.

HBO will reportedly release the official casting details for 'True Detective 'season 2 in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, what say you? Who would you most like to see in the female lead of HBO's dark and dreary drama, Brit Marling, Oona Chaplin, Kelly Reilly, Jessica Biel, Malin Akerman, Jaimie Alexander or Rosario Dawson? What about Elisabeth Moss or Rachel McAdams? Will this relentless ride never end?

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