True Detective creator working on new HBO show starring Robert Downey Jr

Sources claim it could be a remake of classic legal drama Perry Mason

(Getty Images)

HBO recently all but confirmed True Detective would be returning for a third season suggesting in the process that creator Nic Pizzolato - the man behind the first two seasons - would not be on board to write. Instead, it was announced he would be working on another project for the premium cable network.

It's now emerged that the series he's jumping ship to will star Iron Man actor Robert Downey, Jr. in his first small screen appearance in 15 years.

No details are known about the show other than that Pizzolatto will likely write every episode much like he did for True Detective's acclaimed debut season and its maligned follow-up.

Variety reports that sources believe this could well be the remake of classic legal drama series Perry Mason that Downey Jr.'s been trying to get off the ground for years.

Downey, Jr. starred in the fourth season of US comedy-drama Ally McBeal in 2000. Following his appearance, the actor saw a career resurgence thanks to roles in Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, Sherlock Holmes and Iron Man; he has reprised the role of Tony Stark a further six times (and counting).

He is one of the highest paid actors working in Hollywood.

True Detective season 1 starred Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey, while the Los Angeles-set second season united Colin Farrell, Vince Vaughn, Rachel McAdams and Friday Night Lights actor Taylor Kitsch.