Kyle Chandler Cast in Showtime’s ‘The Vatican’

Kyle Chandler
Kyle Chandler (Photo © Richard Chavez)

Kyle Chandler (Friday Night Lights) will be tackling the lead role in Showtime’s The Vatican, the upcoming drama series going into production this year. The series has also snagged Matthew Goode (Stoker) and Sebastian Koch (A Good Day to Die Hard) in starring roles.

Described as a provocative contemporary genre thriller, The Vatican will draw back the curtain and take a look at the “mysteries and miracles behind one of the world’s most hidden institutions.” Sir Ridley Scott directs the pilot and will serve as an executive director. Paul Attanasio (Quiz Show, Donnie Brasco) wrote the pilot script.

“Kyle Chandler is one of the most talented and sought-after actors working today, and was a fantastic creative partner through five seasons of Friday Night Lights,” stated David Nevins, President of Entertainment at Showtime. “With Kyle, Matthew Goode, and Sebastian Koch, Ridley and Paul have put together a powerhouse cast to anchor this incredibly timely show.”

Per the press release, Chandler has been set to play 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.”

Goode will tackle the role of Papal Secretary Bernd Koch, “the current Pope’s closest confidante – giving him a very powerful perch within the inner circle of the Vatican.”

Koch has been tapped to play Cardinal Marco Malerba, “the Vatican’s Secretary of State. Malerba is informally known as the ‘dark prince of the Curia’ for his proven abilities to ruthlessly wield power within the Church hierarchy.”