Taylor Kitsch has not worked since he starred in the HBO movie "The Normal Heart" as he wanted to remain open for a coveted role in season two of the Emmy-winning "True Detective."
"It's been almost a full year since I've been on camera," Kitsch told Adweek. "It was tough to sit a year out, keeping a finger crossed I was going to get 'True.'"
Kitsch all but confirmed his role in the next installment of the HBO series in the interview with Adweek. He nodded his head and responded, "Mm-hmm," when asked if he had "True Detective" coming up.
HBO has not announced his official casting yet. He has been rumored to play Paul Woodrugh, "a handsome, 28-year-old military veteran who has seen his own share of violence and destruction," according to a synopsis obtained by The Wrap.
Colin Farrell and Vince Vaughn officially joined the cast last month. Farrell will play Ray Velcoro, a "compromised detective whose allegiances are torn between his masters in a corrupt police department and the mobster who owns him," according to HBO. Vaughn will play Frank Semyon, "a career criminal in danger of losing his empire when his move into legitimate enterprise is upended by the murder of a business partner."
Kitsch looks forward to shooting on location in Los Angeles, as he did for "The Normal Heart" in New York City. He also sat down with creator Nic Pizzalatto to discuss the role and the passion for acting.
"Having this meeting with Nic Pizzalatto, it kind of brought me back to when I was here in New York and why I wanted to be an actor, why you struggle and why you don't quit," Kitsch said. "He's obviously incredibly smart and passionate, so that rubs off... I can't f***ing wait to hit camera."
The 33-year-old actor loved the first season of "True Detective," starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. He appreciated how the show kept the action "grounded" and "relatable" as the story could have happened in real life.
"Nowadays, it takes f***ing balls to stand by that and do it that way," Kitsch said.
The female leading role still remains open. Rachel McAdams has remained the front-runner for the past couple months and is close to signing a deal, according to Variety.
"True Detective" season two will likely premiere next summer.
