Michael Sheen to headline Fox’s serial killer drama pilot for Prodigal Son

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Just like the prophetic alien Kuato from Paul Verhoeven's TOTAL RECALL, Michael Sheen wants you to open your mind. Why? Well, it could have something to do with the fact that Sheen has just been cast in a lead role for Fox's serial killer drama pilot PRODIGAL SON. According to reports, the one-hour series focuses on Malcolm Bright, a renowned criminal psychologist. As the son of one of the most ruthless killers the world has ever known called "The Surgeon," Bright uses his unique smarts to aid the NYPD in solving crimes and tracking killers. While trying to make the streets safer to walk at night, Bright is also forced to contend with a manipulative mother, an irritatingly unremarkable sister, and a homicidal father who still hopes to connect with his talented son. As a way of adding to the pile, Bright will also battle his own evolving neuroses, as he works to save the lives of innocents.

Sheen will arrive as Martin Whitly for the pilot, Bright's disturbingly smart, wealthy, and sociopathic father who in the past has murdered more than 20 people. As the story goes, Martin was once a loving father and husband who served as a high-profile cardiothoracic surgeon before transforming into a cold-blooded killer.

Sheen joins an impressive list of previously announced castmates in Lou Diamond Phillips, Aurora Perrineau, and Frank Harts.

Up next for Sheen is his role as Aziraphale for Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman's GOOD OMENS. Set in 2018, the series will follow the demon Crowley (Tennant) and the angel Aziraphale (Sheen), who, being accustomed to life on Earth, seek to prevent the coming of the antichrist and with it the final battle between Heaven and Hell. The Amazon Prime series is set for a May 31 launch and also stars David Tennant, Frances McDormand, Brian Cox, Jon Hamm, Nick Offerman, Jack Whitehall, Miranda Richardson, Adria Arjona, Michael McKean, Anna Maxwell Martin, and Mireille Enos.