One of the big questions back at the TCA press tour was what CSI would look like without its leading man, William Petersen, who's leaving this season. Here's our first big clue: Laurence Fishburne is in talks to step in as the new male lead.
He'd be getting a pretty meaty role, too. As CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler described it, the new guy comes from outside the CSI unit and has a genetic profile comparable to that of a serial killer. He knows about the tendency, though he hasn't actually acted on any killer impulses to date.
Searching for the right actor for the role has apparently been a huge undertaking, with John Malkovich and Kurt Russell also named as top choices — but Malkovich turned down the job.
Landing an Oscar nominee and big name like Fishburne would seem like a serious score for CSI — but, if you're not already a viewer, would it draw you in? And, if you are a CSI fan, do you think Fishburne would mesh well with the current cast?
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CSI would be lucky to have him!
1I am an avid CSI fan but without Grissom I don't know if I can really still get into the show as much. Its like when george clooney and anthony edwards both ended up leaving ER...I quit watching.
2As a CSI fan it would be sad to lose Grissom, but I think that Laurence Fishborne would be a great addition - and add a new feel with his proposed background.
3I think Laurence Fishburne is the right guy for Mr. Peterson's old role. What's the hold-up? Contract talks?
4Uh...the genetic profile of a serial killer? Isn't that a bit of a stretch?
5Still, Grisoom will be missed but I think a new cast member will be exciting (especially with the cast changes from the finale - no spoilers!). I loved Liev.
6I used to be addicted to CSI but ever since I started college I haven't been able to catch up on many episodes. I can't imagine CSI without Grissom, he's irreplaceable!!
7he would be a great addition!!
8I love Fishburne but I'm afraid that without Gil the show would lose its fizzle for me. I'm going to give it a shot but I think that season 9 may well be the last DVD box set that I buy. I hope not thoguh. Fishburne is good but with an established character like Grissom, well, those are pretty big shoes to fill in my opinion...
*sighs deeply*
9Why can't we have both?
Damn you Peterson.
JeannieGrrl, I totally agree with you! I wish we could have both. Grissom's personality is such a huge part of the show - I can't really imagine it without him. But I think that Laurence Fishburne will be brilliant in this role. I'm definitely going to watch the show, but I might be holding my breath a bit.
10CSI would have lost me if JM or KR had taken the role. With LF, I'm still in!
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