Clayne Crawford will make his return to television, signing on to star in an upcoming installment of Hulu’s horror-anthology series Into the Dark. Crawford previously starred as Martin Riggs in Fox’s small-screen adaptation of the Lethal Weapon franchise. Despite initial skepticism, the series achieved solid ratings and managed to garner a passionate fanbase. Following reports of behind-the-scenes turmoil, however, Crawford was fired from the show and the character of Riggs was killed off at the end of season 2.
Into the Dark is a Blumhouse production and airs exclusively on Hulu. After producing such hit horror films as Get Out, the Purge franchise, and the recent Halloween continuation, the company expanded to the small screen. Airing only one episode a month, Into the Dark follows in the footsteps of such series as Black Mirror, focusing on a different theme or holiday for each feature-length episode. Since debuting in October 2018, there have been six installments, each following a different, star-studded cast and garnering mostly positive reviews.
According to TVLine, Crawford is the latest to sign on. Having kept a mostly low profile since leaving Lethal Weapon, the new role will mark his official return to the small screen. Titled ‘They Come Knocking’, the episode will be the series’ ninth outing. According to the synopsis, Crawford will apparently play a recent widower who, after deciding to take his two daughters on a road trip, finds his family targetted by terrifying supernatural forces.
There is no word yet on who will serve as the writer or who will direct the episode. It is set to air in early June, however. Having covered Halloween and Thanksgiving previously, the episode will be focused on Father’s Day. The rest of the cast will include Josephine Langsford, Robyn Lively, Lia McHugh, and Dwight Hicks.
Despite the controversy and drama surrounding Crawford in real life, the actor retained a huge amount of support from fans. Many believed Crawford’s performance to be the best aspect of Fox’s Lethal Weapon series, declaring that they probably wouldn’t continue watching. Though the ratings have dipped since Crawford was replaced by Seann William Scott, the decline hasn’t been as steep as some anticipated. Regardless, backing for Crawford was only bolstered when he took part in a podcast to offer his side of the story. As such, there will no doubt much rejoicing at his return to the screen.
Even if unfamiliar with Crawford, the actor has built up quite a résumé of acclaimed performances over the years - often elevating the material well beyond the page. So much so, his addition to Hulu’s anthology series is particularly noteworthy and something worth looking forward to. With an intriguing concept and Crawford leading the cast, the Father’s Day-themed episode sounds like a promising installment. One that will hopefully allow Crawford an opportunity to shine in a new role. As well as keep the show’s streak of solid horror entertainment fully intact.
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Each installment of Into the Dark is currently available to stream on Hulu. The series continues with ‘I’m Just F*cking With You’ on Friday, April 5, 2019. Crawford’s episode, ‘They Come Knocking’, will drop on June 7.
Source: TVLine
