Ridley Scott Vatican drama shapes up

US cable network Showtime has added cast members to its upcoming drama series The Vatican.

Kyle Chandler, who’s TV credits include Friday Night Lights and big-screen work includes Argo and Zero Dark Thirty, will be the lead in the upcoming pilot.

Ridley Scott will direct, the first time he has done so for television.

Chandler will portray Cardinal Thomas Duffy, the charismatic Archbishop of New York.

The pilot was penned by Donnie Brasco and House writer Paul Attanasio and will be made by Sony Pictures Television and Showtime.

Scott, Attanasio and David Zucker (The Good Wife) will executive produce.

Showtime, which is owned by CBS, said the show will be a “provocative contemporary genre thriller about spirituality, power and politics – set against the modern-day political machinations within the Catholic church.”