'The Crown' star John Lithgow set to star opposite Matthew Rhys in HBO series 'Perry Mason'
John Lithgow is the latest addition to HBO’s limited series 'Perry Mason,' and will lead opposite Matthew Rhys (as Mason) and Tatiana Maslany. 'Perry Mason' was ordered to the series back in March and is based on characters created by Erle Stanley Gardner, where the series follows the origins of American fiction’s legendary criminal defense lawyer.
Lithgow is said to play Elias Birchard 'E.B.' Jonathan, described as a personal attorney at the pit of his career and a semi-regular employer of Mason. E.B. is then given a chance by Mason to handle a case he hasn’t seen in years: A high-profile parallel investigation to the LAPD involving a case of child kidnapping.
Lithgow is a two-time Tony Award winner, best known for his work on Broadway, first for 'The Changing Room' and second for 'Sweet Smell of Success.' The 73-year-old actor has also been nominated for two Academy Awards and has starred in films including 'Footloose', 'Shrek,' and 'Dreamgirls.'
The actor has also conquered the small screen by winning six Emmy Awards, including three for his starring role on the multi-cam comedy '3rd Rock From the Sun' and another for his critically-acclaimed work as a guest actor on 'Dexter' and his role as Winston Churchill in Netflix’s 'The Crown.'
This coming December, he is also slated to star in the untitled Roger Ailes movie from Jay Roach.
'Perry Mason' is executive produced by Robert Downey Jr. and Susan Downey under their Team Downey banner and the project was originally put into development in 2016 with Downey Jr. set for the lead role and Nic Pizzolatto the writing.
However, it was announced last year that Downey Jr.’s schedule would prevent him from starring in the series, while Pizzolatto focused on Season 3 of 'True Detective.' Now all of them come together and Rhys will serve as a producer in addition to starring. Tim Van Patten has signed on to direct and executive produce the series.
