Nathan Lane will play a veteran cop on Penny Dreadful: City of Angels

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Tony and Emmy winner Nathan Lane has racked up over 80 screen credits and brought to life some popular characters, like Timon in THE LION KING, Albert Goldman in THE BIRDCAGE, and Max Bialystock in THE PRODUCERS. From what I can tell, one thing he hasn't done in the realm of film and television is horror. That's about to change now, as Lane has signed on to play a character on the upcoming Showtime series Penny Dreadful: City of Angels.

A "spiritual descendant" of the original Showtime series Penny Dreadful, which was set in Victorian era London, City of Angels takes place in 

1938 Los Angeles, a time and place deeply infused with social and political tension. When a grisly murder shocks the city, Detective Tiago Vega is embroiled in an epic story that reflects the rich history of Los Angeles: from the building of the city's first freeways and its deep traditions of Mexican-American folklore, to the dangerous espionage actions of the Third Reich and the rise of radio evangelism. Before long, Tiago and his family are grappling with powerful forces that threaten to tear them apart. 

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels explores an exciting mix of the supernatural and the combustible reality of the period, creating new occult myths and moral dilemmas within a genuine historical backdrop. This chapter is a bold new vision that will employ all new characters and storylines. 

The show will star Daniel Zovatto as Tiago Vega, and he'll be working closely with Lane. Lane's character is Lewis Michener, "a veteran officer in the LAPD, wise to the ways of the world and ruthless in pursuit of his goals, who becomes the partner and mentor of young Tiago Vega."

It will be interesting to see Lane on a show like this, surrounded by demons and supernatural forces.

So far the cast also includes Johnathan Nieves as Vega's volatile younger brother Mateo; Jessica Garza as their sister Josefina, who "plays the part of the quiet and overlooked younger sister but possesses a powerful spirit waiting to be unleashed"; and Natalie Dormer as Magda, a demon "who can take the appearance of anyone she chooses and manifests in a number of guises throughout the story. Charismatic, clever and chameleonic, Magda is a dangerous enemy and an invaluable ally."

Penny Dreadful creator, writer, and executive producer John Logan continues in those same roles for Penny Dreadful: City of Angels. Fellow executive producers include Michael Aguilar, and Sam Mendes and Pippa Harris of Neal Street Productions. James Bagley serves as co-executive producer.

Logan's Desert Wolf Productions is producing City of Angels.

Paco Cabezas will be directing multiple episodes of the show when it goes into production later this year.