Nicolas Cage in Talks to Star in TRUE DETECTIVE Season 5, Set in New York City
True Detective might be bring in Nicolas Cage for the next chapter of the story. According to Deadline, Cage is currently in discussions to take the lead role in the fifth season of HBO’s acclaimed crime anthology series, which will be helmed once again by Issa López, the creative force behind True Detective: Night Country.
Season 5 is heading to Jamaica Bay in New York City, shifting the eerie tone of Season 4’s Alaskan mystery to an urban setting. Cage is reportedly circling the role of Henry Logan, a New York detective investigating a case that lies at the heart of the new story.
HBO hasn't confirmed anything yet, and it's unclear whether the deal will close, but sources say Cage has been eyeing the part for a while. This would mark a major move for Cage, who until recently focused solely on film, with his only upcoming TV project being Prime Video’s Spider-Noir.
While fans await confirmation, this potential casting continues True Detective’s tradition of stacking its seasons with powerhouse talent. The first season starred Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, Season 2 featured Colin Farrell, and Season 3 was led by Mahershala Ali.
Last season, Night Country, brought in Jodie Foster and Kali Reis to solve a chilling mystery in the icy desolation of Alaska. Foster even scored an Emmy for her performance.
As for the new installment, Francesca Orsi, HBO’s Head of Drama Series and Film, gave a small tease saying: “Issa has a lot to say, not unlike she did with Night Country. It’s a different milieu but just as powerful.”
López herself hinted at some intriguing connections between the upcoming season and what unfolded in Night Country, saying: There’s going to be some important connections between everything that happens in Ennis, Alaska, and the characters in Ennis, Alaska, and what happens in the new [season]. That said, it’s a new story, new characters, everything.”
Filming for True Detective Season 5 is expected to kick off in 2026, with a premiere planned for 2027 on HBO.
If Cage signs on, this could be a perfect project to bring his intense energy to a series known for dark mysteries, unforgettable characters, and powerful performances.