Forest Whitaker

Oscar winner Forest Whitaker is believed to be in final negotiations to headline a potential ‘Criminal Minds’ spinoff.

The project, which is current in development at CBS, would be a back-door pilot episode of ‘Criminal Minds’, following a new group of criminal profilers who work outside the FBI bureaucracy.

The episode could air as early as March.

Whitaker would play Cooper, the squad leader, who’s described as dynamic, mysterious, charming and a father figure to the rest of the team. He is a former star profiler in the Behavioral Unit who has been off the radar for the past eight years.

‘Criminal Minds’ executive producer Chris Mundy penned the spinoff episode, based on a story by him and executive producer/showrunner Ed Bernero. Richard Shepard who’s previously directed an episode of ‘Criminal Minds’ and also the pilot for ‘Ugly Betty’ is set to direct the upcoming episode.

ABC Studios, The Mark Gordon Company and CBS Studios will produce the episode, and series, should it be given the green light next season.

Whitaker will receive a producing credit as part of the deal.

The new season of ‘Criminal Minds’ begins 8.30pm Wednesday, February 3 on Seven.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter