Oscar-winning Moonlight actor Mahershala Ali is in negotiations to star in a potential third season of HBO’s praised drama series True Detective. We hear talks are at a very early stage and no deal is in place.

A third season has not yet received a formal green light, but it has been in the works for a while, and Ali’s casting likely would make that a lock. In January, HBO President of Programming Casey Bloys indicated that he was “hopeful” about a third installment because creator Nic Pizzolatto was “closing in on an idea that he was excited about.” In addition, veteran David Milch came on board earlier this year to work with Pizzolatto on Season 3.

The first season of True Detective was very well received and became a cult phenomenon, landing a slew of awards and nominations and triggering a swift renewal. The drama also earned a quick-turnaround second installment, which drew mixed reaction from critics and fans.

Ali won a supporting actor Oscar for his role in Best Picture winner Moonlight. His TV work includes a praised role as Remy Danton in Netflix’s House of Cards and a recent recurring gig on Luke Cage. Next up on the film side is a starring role in JC Chandor’s upcoming thriller Triple Frontier. He’s repped by WME.