Big Bang Theory star lands role in thriller based on one of America's most notorious cults

The Big Bang Theory's Jim Parsons has signed up for a forthcoming true crime thriller centred on the infamous Heaven's Gate cult.

Specifics about the sitcom favourite's character remain shrouded in mystery.

Nevertheless, he'll be appearing alongside the previously confirmed Tim Blake Nelson and Vera Farmiga, who will portray UFO cult masterminds Marshall Herff Applewhite and Bonnie Lu Nettles.

During Heaven's Gate's operations from 1974-1997, the organisation convinced hundreds of devotees to withdraw from mainstream society and desert their loved ones, driven by the conviction they would transcend their physical forms to achieve the 'Next Level'.

Their doctrine reached its tragic conclusion when 39 individuals ended their lives in March 1997, including Applewhite, marking America's most devastating mass suicide to date, reports the Express.

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The supporting ensemble features 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.

Dexter favourite Michael C Hall was also confirmed as part of the lineup shortly after The Leader was initially revealed at the Berlin Film Festival in February 2023.

Leading man Nelson coincidentally played supervillain Samuel Sterns, also known as the Leader, in this year's Marvel spectacular Captain America: Brave New World.

Writer-director Michael Gallagher commented on Parsons' casting: "Jim Parsons' mesmerizing, tour-de-force performance will leave audiences with their jaws on the floor.

"We are beyond grateful to have Jim join our phenomenal cast of award-winning actors in this stunning dramatic turn."

Beyond The Big Bang Theory, which wrapped up with its 12th series in 2019, Parsons has recently graced Broadway in the Tony-nominated Our Town.

He has also landed parts in Ryan Murphy's Netflix series Hollywood and the romantic-comedy-drama Spoiler Alert.

The comedy favourite will next appear on the silver screen in Andy Serkis' animated take on George Orwell's Animal Farm, featuring Seth Rogen and Glenn Close.

He'll be voicing Carl, a sheep, along with the remainder of his flock alongside a stellar voice ensemble which also includes Stranger Things' Gaten Matarazzo, Succession's Kieran Culkin, Steve Buscemi, Laverne Cox and Woody Harrelson.

A premiere date for The Leader has yet to be announced.

The Big Bang Theory is available to stream on Netflix.