Cast This: Robert Langdon

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Last year, NBC began developing a TV series which would bring Professor Robert Langdon, the famed Harvard symbologist who frequently gets pulled into deadly puzzles and conspiracies, to the small-screen. The network gave the series, titled Langdon, a pilot order just last week, which means that casting will soon be underway for a new actor to take on the role.

Tom Hanks played the role of Professor Robert Langdon in THE DA VINCI CODE, ANGELS & DEMONS, as well as INFERNO, all directed by Ron Howard, and although there had been talks of a fourth film, it would appear that Langdon's future will rest in the realm of television. The TV series will be based upon Dan Brown's "The Lost Symbol," and although the novel technically takes place after "Angels & Demons" and "The Da Vinci Code," it's being envisioned as a prequel which will follow the "early adventures of famed Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon, who finds himself pulled into a series of deadly puzzles when his mentor is kidnapped. The CIA forces him onto a task force where he uncovers a chilling conspiracy." Daniel Cerone (Constantine) was originally onboard as writer and executive producer, but he departed the project after penning a draft and has since been replaced by Dan Dworkin & Jay Beattie, best known for their work on Matador, Scream, and The Crossing.

In the novels, Professor Robert Langdon is known for his brilliant problem-solving mind; he also happens to have an eidetic memory and is an excellent swimmer, doing 50 laps daily as a morning ritual. As Langdon will be a prequel, and the chances of Tom Hanks reprising the role for a TV series are slim to none, we'll have to think of someone else to take on the role. As usual, I'll toss out a few suggestions to get you started. Tom Mison may be best known for his role of Ichabod Crane in Sleepy Hollow, but it was role(s) in HBO's Watchmen which truly impressed me, and I believe he'd be a great fit for the role of Robert Langdon. With Criminal Minds set to come to an end after fifteen seasons, Matthew Gray Gubler may be in the market for another scholarly character. For my final suggestion, I'll go with the obvious choice, Colin Hanks (Fargo), Tom Hanks' son who has proven himself to be a talented actor in his own right.

Remember, you're free to suggest anyone in the comments, so let your inner casting director run wild!

Previously on Cast This, you were asked to fill the role of Jack Reacher, the former Military Police Corps Major who investigates various suspicious and dangerous situations across America. As usual, you came through with plenty of great suggestions for the role, including Liev Schreiber (Ray Donovan), Armie Hammer (DEATH ON THE NILE), and Pablo Schreiber (American Gods).