HBO is closing in on a deal to bring Irish actor Colin Farrell aboard for season two of "True Detective," Entertainment Weekly reports.

The report notes that no deal is yet in place. "But as of today, Farrell is definitely in the mix and considered the most likely lead name to join the acclaimed drama," the story reports.

HBO executives said Thursday that a casting announcement for the show would be made within a week.

"Though HBO executives downplayed a critic’s suggestion that season two of the anthology show must get big stars in the wake of the first round starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, the network has definitely approached some rather major stars over the last couple months for the major roles (Josh Brolin, Joaquin Phoenix, Russell Crowe, Jessica Chastain,  Christian Bale…), plus Taylor Kitsch is a name that’s rumored to be more likely than others," the report adds.

The show is expected to have three leads during its second season, the story notes.

Colin Farrell