HBO has confirmed that a third season of True Detective is in the works, with Mahershala Ali signed on to star.

Earlier this month we reported that Mahershala Ali was in talks to star in True Detective season 3, and now, HBO’s president of programming Casey Bloys has confirmed that the Oscar winner has officially joined the project.

Speaking to press on the Television Critics Association press tour (via Collider), Bloys noted that the project has not been greenlit just yet, but that he’s pretty convinced it “will be a go.”

He further revealed that “five great scripts” have been written, and HBO is now looking for directors. Said Bloys:

“All I’ll tell you is I’m very, very impressed and excited about what I’ve read. I don’t want to give away the storyline, but I think they’re terrific.”

The first season of True Detective, starring Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey, was a huge critical success when it debuted in 2014. But the follow-up season with Vince Vaughn, Rachel McAdams and Colin Farrell failed to live up to the hype, and viewers have been understandably wary of a third season.

But with Mahershala Ali on board, things are already looking up, and fans should be further encouraged by the news that showrunner Nic Pizzolatto has been joined by Deadwood‘s David Milch for the third season.

We can’t wait to see Mahershala Ali in action!