Netflix’s upcoming adaptation of SA Cosby’s All the Sinners Bleed has added John Douglas Thompson to its cast. The acclaimed actor will take on the role of Albert Crown, father to series lead Titus Crown, played by Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù.

The drama, which was unveiled during Netflix’s upfront presentation in May, centres on Titus, “the first Black Sheriff (Dìrísù) in a small Bible Belt county” who must track down a serial killer "that has been preying on his Black community for years in the name of God.” The story is further shaped by Titus’ struggle with the loss of his deeply religious mother.

The series is being brought to the screen by Joe Robert Cole, who will adapt Cosby’s novel while serving as showrunner and executive producer. Cole is also directing multiple episodes, including the premiere. Higher Ground Productions, founded by Barack and Michelle Obama, and Amblin Television are executive producing alongside Cosby.

Thompson is best known to television audiences for portraying Arthur Scott on HBO’s The Gilded Age. His screen credits also include Mare of Easttown, For Life, 21 Bridges, The 355, Till, and Highest 2 Lowest. On stage, he has established himself as a formidable presence, earning a Tony Award nomination in 2017 for Jitney. He also received the Drama Desk Award for outstanding solo performance in Satchmo at the Waldorf in 2014, followed by the organisation’s Special Award in 2015.