Jude Law in Talks for Lead Role in Paolo Sorrentino’s 'The Young Pope'

The British actor is in negotiations to play the first American pope in the TV drama.

Sources have confirmed Italian media reports that Jude Law is in talks to play the American pope in Paolo Sorrentino's first-ever television series: The Young Pope.

The series revolves around a fictional American pope who becomes the most conservative one the Vatican has ever seen. The show is in the works at a time when Pope Francis is widely considered the most open-minded pope in recent times. The series is set in the U.S. and the Vatican.

The Young Pope is being produced by Wildside's (1992) Lorenzo Mieli and Mario Gianani in collaboration with Sky Italia. John Lyons, former Focus Features president of production, is executive producing. The English-language series is targeted for international distribution.

Wildside had no comment on the news. Sources close to the production confirmed with The Hollywood Reporter that Law is currently in negotiations, but the role is not yet confirmed. Law's rep also confirms that negotiations are still in the early phase.

Cinecitta Studios was overwhelmed with acting hopefuls over the weekend in response to a call for extras for the series. The Young Pope will be shot at Cinecitta Studios beginning in July.

British-born Law is no stranger to playing Americans and has received two Oscar nominations for previous roles as Americans in Cold Mountain and The Talented Mr. Ripley.

Mar. 9, 11 A.M. Updated with statement from Law's rep.