EXCLUSIVE: Jim Parsons (The Big Bang Theory) is a new addition to the cast of The Leader, the true-crime thriller inspired by the story of the infamous religious group Heaven’s Gate, which is now in production.
Character details are under wraps. Parsons joins an ensemble led by Tim Blake Nelson and Vera Farmiga.
Written and directed by Michael Gallagher, The Leader tells the unbelievable true story of UFO cult leaders Marshall Herff Applewhite (Nelson) and Bonnie Lu Nettles (Farmiga), who inspired hundreds of people to abandon their families, drop out of society, and prepare to evacuate planet Earth. Heaven’s Gate, the group that inspired the film, committed the largest mass suicide ever to take place on U.S. soil.
Others in the cast include Simon Rex, Grace Caroline Currey, Matthew Glave, William Mapother, JB Yowell, Kelly Lynn Reiter, Danielle Vasinova, Blake Robbins, Jana Gallagher, Paten Hughes, Molly Robbins, and Jill Winternitz.
“Jim Parsons’ mesmerizing, tour-de-force performance will leave audiences with their jaws on the floor,” Gallagher told Deadline. “We are beyond grateful to have Jim join our phenomenal cast of award-winning actors in this stunning dramatic turn.”
The producers of The Leader are Jana Gallagher, Michael Wormser, Michael Gallagher, Joel David Moore, and Matt Murphie. Exec producers include Eric Gozlan, Nelson, Farmiga, Parsons, Rex, Evan Silverberg, Daniel Taborga, Rishi Bajaj, James Cullen Bressack, Stacy Kemp, Vasinova, Dominick La Ruffa Jr, Kelly Lynn Reiter, Kim DeLonghi, Lee Broda, ALG Films, Karen KK Gregor, Justin Nesbitt, Dan Reardon, Justin Steele, Micah Molinari, David Wachs, Ojan Missaghi, and Andy Grombacher. The Exchange/Voltage is handling sales.
Known for his Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning starring role in CBS’ The Big Bang Theory, Parsons was last seen on Broadway in the Tony-nominated Our Town. He is repped by CAA, Principal Entertainment LA, and Gang, Tyre, Ramer.
