Michael Sheen has been cast as one of the stars of Fox’s drama pilot “Prodigal Son” from producer Greg Berlanti, TheWrap has learned. The “Masters of Sex” alum will be playing a serial killer.
Here’s the official description for the pilot: Malcolm Bright has a gift. He knows how killers think, how their minds work. Why? His father was one of the worst — a notorious serial killer called “The Surgeon.” That’s why Bright is the best criminal psychologist around; murder is the family business. He will use his twisted genius to help the NYPD solve crimes and stop killers, all while dealing with a manipulative mother, annoyingly normal sister, a homicidal father still looking to bond with his prodigal son, and his own constantly evolving neuroses. “Prodigal Son” is a fresh take on a crime franchise with a provocative and outrageous lead character and darkly comedic tone.
Sheen will take on the role of Martin Whitly, Malcolm Bright’s intelligent, wealthy, charismatic father; he also happens to be a predatory sociopath that murdered more than 20 people. Martin was once a devoted family man and a successful cardiothoracic surgeon with high-profile patients.
The “Good Omens” star joins a cast that includes Lou Diamond Phillips, Aurora Perrineau, and Frank Harts. The role of Malcolm has yet to be cast.
Chris Fedak and Sam Sklaver will write and executive produce, with Berlanti and Sarah Schechter also executive producing. Lee Toland Krieger will direct and also grab an EP credit.
“Prodigal Son” hails from Warner Bros. Television, where Berlanti has an overall deal and is a co-production with Fox Entertainment.
Sheen is repped by ICM, Link Entertainment, Roxane Vacca and attorney James Adams.