HBO is reportedly considering Peter Dinklage for the lead role in a revived version of Rian Johnson‘s murder mystery series Poker Face, following recent discussions sparked by the show’s cancellation at Peacock. The prospect of Dinklage stepping into the role of human lie detector Charlie Cale has generated significant industry interest, especially given Dinklage’s longstanding partnership with HBO on the celebrated series Game of Thrones.
HBO Weighs Potential Revival with New Star
During a showcase for upcoming HBO programming in New York, network chairman and CEO Casey Bloys addressed questions about the possibility of acquiring Poker Face. This comes shortly after Peacock’s decision to cancel the series at the end of its second season in July. Following the cancellation, Rian Johnson and production company MRC began approaches to other platforms, hoping for a new two-season commitment for the critically praised mystery show.
The significant proposed change for any future installment is Peter Dinklage in the key role previously portrayed by Natasha Lyonne. Dinklage, well known to HBO audiences as Tyrion Lannister from all eight seasons of Game of Thrones, would succeed Lyonne as the star of Poker Face, should HBO move forward with the acquisition.
Johnson’s Vision and HBO’s Response
Natasha Lyonne’s departure from her lead role was reportedly a joint decision between her and Johnson. However, she is expected to remain involved as an executive producer if the series finds a new home. Rian Johnson’s larger plan is to refresh the character of Charlie Cale by introducing a new actor in the role every two seasons, a strategy that could keep the series dynamic and intriguing. Dinklage is currently planned as the first new lead if the project continues under a different network.
During the recent event, Casey Bloys commented on the discussions taking place within HBO.
“It’s funny because we heard the original take, and when I heard that Peacock wasn’t moving forward, we were curious,”
said Bloys, CEO. He confirmed that speculative talks have been held, saying,
“We’ve had conversations, but I don’t know which way it’ll go,”
Bloys, CEO. He further offered praise for the creative forces behind the project:
“I think Rian is a fantastic filmmaker, and I love the idea of Peter Dinklage, but I have nothing to report on that,”
Bloys, CEO.
Series Creators Consider the Road Ahead
The creative team appears ready for the next chapter of Poker Face. In a joint message last week, Lyonne and Johnson shared,
“We’ve been germinating this next move together since writing the Season 2 finale,”
Lyonne and Johnson, Executive Producer & Creator. They emphasized their passion for the project:
“We love our ‘Poker Face’ and this is the perfect way to keep it rolling. Give us a beat and we may just see Charlie Cale again down that open highway,”
Lyonne and Johnson, Executive Producer & Creator.
The potential for Peter Dinklage’s Poker Face role would mark a notable return to HBO for the acclaimed actor, while Rian Johnson’s evolving concept could offer new creative opportunities for the series. If plans progress, viewers could see a fresh take on the detective drama and perhaps new adventures for the character of Charlie Cale under Dinklage’s direction.
