Dennis Haysbert will be playing God in the upcoming Lucifer season 5. Premiering in 2016, based on the DC Comics character created by Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth, and Mike Dringenberg, the series revolves around Lucifer Morningstar (Tom Ellis). Abandoning Hell in favor of Los Angeles, Lucifer would open up his own nightclub and eventually serve as a consultant for the LAPD. The first season earned mixed reviews, though critics saw potential in its playful take on the standard police procedural. Subsequent seasons were more widely praised, with Ellis garnering acclaim for a portrayal that runs the gamut from flamboyant to heartfelt. The supernatural dramedy was cancelled by FOX in 2018, after three seasons, only for Lucifer to be resurrected by Netflix. Now, as the show enters into its final season, an all-important character will finally appear on-screen.
As it progressed, Lucifer expanded its focus. While Ellis’ self-centered Devil tends to believe everything is about him, he’s played a supporting role in certain episodes. The cast also includes Lauren German as Detective Chloe Decker, Lucifer’s partner in the LAPD. Kevin Alejandro plays Detective Daniel Espinoza, Chloe’s ex-husband and the father of her child. D.B. Woodside and Lesley-Ann Brandt play an angel and a demon, respectively, with their characters falling into an unlikely romance. Rachael Harris rounded out the initial cast as Lucifer’s therapist, Linda. For much of the series, Linda was the only human who knew about Lucifer’s true identity. Being his therapist, of course, she heard a lot about Lucifer’s troubles with God.
Frequently mentioned, and frequently driving the narrative, God has never actually appeared in an episode of the drama. He was, however, voiced in the last episode of season 3 by Gaiman. When Lucifer returns for season 5 on Netflix, that will all change. According to EW, Dennis Haysbert has been chosen as the Almighty himself. Speaking on the decision of selecting an actor to play such a significant persona, co-showrunner Joe Henderson mentioned the show’s team had a big list of names before ultimately deciding on Haysbert for the part.
With many credits across film and television, Haysbert might be best known for his stint on 24 as President David Palmer. Woodside had a role in 24 as Palmer’s brother, making Lucifer a reunion for the two performers. Speaking on the news, Haysbert said that getting a chance to work with Woodside again factored into his decision to accept the part.
God’s physical presence, undoubtedly, will complicate Lucifer season 5 even further. At the end of season 4, Chloe finally told her devilish partner that she loved him, though the confession came at potentially the worst time. How that resolves, as well as questions surrounding God’s motivations, will have to wait until the final season of Lucifer premieres on Netflix.
More: How Lucifer Expands (& Improves) The Arrowverse
Source: EW
