While the sting of HBO whiffing ahugeopportunity in the form oftwo new series fromDavid Fincher, the filmmaker’s second Netflix series is shaping up to be quite something. When Fincher departed the hourlong dramaUtopiaat HBO over budget issues—this after he had already assembled a terrific cast and was poised to direct every episode of the first season—he wasted no time inreviving a long-developing adaptationof the bestselling non-fiction bookMind Hunter: Inside the FBI’s Serial Crime Unitat Netflix. Fincher is executive producingMindhunterwithCharlize Theron, and no doubt itching to get back behind the camera, has found his first cast member.
PerTV Line,LookingstarJonathan Groffhas signed on for a series regular role in the drama, although specific character details are being kept under wraps. Groff is an incredibly talented performer with standout roles in everything fromGleetoThe Normal Heart, not to mention his starring role on the HBO seriesLooking, for which he recently wrapped up a two-hour movie that will serve as the show’s series finale. Groff is currently starring on Broadway in the sensationHamilton, but it looks like he’s about to leave the stage for a team-up with one of the best filmmakers in the business.
Mindhunter’s source material revolves around FBI agentJohn Douglas’ pursuit of some of the most notorious serial killers and rapists, drawing from Douglas’ various cases over the years. It’s fitting material for Fincher, and as a director who never repeats himself, I’m eager to see what he puts together.
And if that’s not enough, TV Line also has confirmation that Fincher will be directing the first episode of the series. While I’m still bummed we don’t get to see him pull aSteven Soderberghand helm an entire season, his work setting upHouse of Cardswas impeccable and I’m always excited to see a new directorial effort from Fincher. HBO, you done messed up.
