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True Detective series 2: Rachel McAdams cast in female lead as 'no-nonsense' detective

Colin Farrell and Vince Vaughn have already been confirmed for the drama

Jess Denham
Tuesday 25 November 2014 05:16 EST
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Rachel McAdams will play Sheriff Ani Bezzerides in True Detective
Rachel McAdams will play Sheriff Ani Bezzerides in True Detective (Getty Images)

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Rachel McAdams has been confirmed for the lead role in the second series of True Detective.

The Canadian actress, best known for The Notebook and Mean Girls, will play no-nonsense detective Ani Bezzerides in the hit HBO crime drama.

Ani’s troubled past has resulted in a drinking and gambling problem, while her “uncompromising ethics put her at odds with the system she serves”, a press release says.

McAdams had been hotly tipped for a part in recent months, with Jessica Chastain, Jessica Biel, Rosario Dawson and Mad Men’s Elisabeth Moss among other rumoured names.

The 36-year-old had long been a favourite for the female lead, but had been prevented from committing to Nic Pizzolatto’s show immediately because of a scheduling clash with Catholic Church sex scandal film Spotlight, according to Variety.

Colin Farrell and Taylor Kitsch are on board to play police officers Ray Velcoro and Paul Woodrugh, while Vince Vaughn will star as criminal entrepreneur Frank Semyon.

Kelly Reilly, Leven Rambin and Christian Campbell have also been cast, while Lolita Davidovich, James Frain and Michael Irby will take on supporting roles.

Production has already started on series two, which “revolves around three police officers and a career criminal who navigate a web of conspiracy in the aftermath of a murder”.

The murder victim is believed to be corrupt businessman Ben Caspar who had been working with Semyon on a major transportation deal.

HBO is yet to confirm an air date but True Detective is expected to reach TV screens next summer.

The first two episodes of eight will be directed by The Fast and the Furious director, Justin Lin.

Last year’s Emmy-nominated first series starred Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson in the leads as detectives Rust Cohle and Marty Hart.

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