Poker Face Has Been Canceled, But There’s A Wild Subplot Featuring Peter Dinklage

by

The show Poker Face has been canceled by Peacock after two seasons, despite being well-received by critics. However, the creators are already working on a new series with a two-season plan, this time starring Peter Dinklage.

Rian Johnson, the creator of Poker Face, along with his producing partner Ram Bergman and MRC, are shopping the show to other networks and streaming services. If another buyer picks it up, Peter Dinklage would take over the role of Charlie Cale, the show’s lie-detecting protagonist. Johnson and co-star Natasha Lyonne (who will still be an executive producer) say they’ve been planning this potential continuation since finishing Season 2, hinting that Charlie’s adventures could continue “on the open highway.”

If you’re new to the show, Poker Face is Natasha Lyonne’s take on the classic ‘howdunnit’ mystery format, similar to Columbo. Each episode begins by showing the audience a murder, then follows Charlie, a former casino worker with an incredible ability to detect lies. She travels from town to town in a classic 1969 Plymouth Barracuda, solving crimes that have stumped the local police. The first season was critically acclaimed and won awards. While the second season remained popular on Peacock, reports from Deadline indicated that viewership dipped slightly and production costs were high.

The surprising idea being discussed is a ‘baton pass’ for the lead role. Instead of Peter Dinklage playing a completely new character, he would take over the role of Charlie Cale, and Dwayne Johnson envisions switching the main actor every few years.

Television has seen actors successfully take on the same role before (like with Doctor Who, The Crown, and even a mid-series change on Bewitched). This show’s format, where each episode features a new case, makes a lead actor change easier to manage. This approach also fits director Rian Johnson’s style – he’s known for swapping out the cast around Daniel Craig in his Knives Out movies, and he’s always been interested in exploring the idea of truth and storytelling.

Several questions remain unanswered. It’s uncertain if Tony Tost will return as showrunner for Season 2, and where the show will air is still being decided as CAA seeks a new distributor. However, the core creative vision remains with Johnson, who is committed to writing and directing if necessary to ensure the revamped show stays on track. Natalie Lyonne, with her busy schedule through Animal Pictures, will continue to be involved behind the scenes.

As a fan, I can see the logic behind this move, and honestly, I’m intrigued. It’s expensive to bring in big names, film on location, and create a visually stunning show, so securing a two-season commitment upfront makes a lot of sense for everyone involved. But more importantly, the idea itself is clever. They’re keeping everything we love about the show – the format, the overall feel, and Charlie’s unique ability – but reimagining the lead role. Peter Dinklage, especially after projects like Wicked, Roofman, Toxic Avenger, and Dexter: Resurrection, brings a fresh, funny energy that could really shake things up in a good way. It’s definitely an unusual approach, but I think it has the potential to be brilliant.

Although Peacock won’t be continuing with Season 3, Poker Face isn’t giving up yet. If the show gets renewed, the next season will really explore the limits of the main character, Charlie Cale, and I’m excited to see how she evolves.

It remains to be seen if this new concept will succeed. In the meantime, Rian Johnson is working on another Knives Out mystery, titled Wake Up Dead Man, which is scheduled for release in theaters on November 26, 2025. It will then be available to stream on Netflix starting December 12. The first two seasons of his show Poker Face are currently available on Peacock.

Read More

2025-11-13 22:08