‘True Detective’ creator teaming with Robert Downey Jr. for HBO project

While we had not heard anything about a third season of “True Detective” coming to HBO anytime soon, the assumption always was that show creator Nic Pizzolatto was going to come up with something else for the network at some point. After all, he’s too talented a guy to ignore; even if season 2 was a mess, he’s a supremely talented guy with a heck of a lot to offer.

This brings us to some of the latest news (per The Hollywood Reporter) that Pizzolatto is in the process of developing something with Robert Downey Jr. for the network, and that the “Iron Man” actor is poised to star in making his big return to TV. The publication suggests that this could be a “Perry Mason” reboot that Downey had at one point wanted for the cinema, but there’s no verification on that and details are under wraps for now.

Where we think Pizzolatto could shine right now as a writer is combining some of his weird, twisted-but-modern American aesthetic with a touch of humor and a central focus that “True Detective” often lacked. He was always excellent at character creation, and Downey may be his perfect partner here. He remains an underrated actor, and he has a knack for bringing humor at times to difficult situations. We’d be all for whatever these two may be working on together, and the best thing they have going for them is time. “True Detective” season 2 was probably rushed too quickly, and there’s no timetable on this since there’s nothing out there yet to even anticipate. There’s no guarantee anything will even get made.

Ultimately, we’ll have some other news on this if and when it becomes available. For now, just call us intrigued…

(Photo: HBO.)