TV Casting: Forest Whitaker Eyes 'Criminal Minds' Spinoff

Forest Whitaker ('The Last King of Scotland'; TV's 'The Shield') is reportedly in negotiations to star in the upcoming 'Criminal Minds' spinoff on CBS. The Oscar winner will play the "dynamic" and "mysterious" Cooper, an ex-profiler in the Behavioral Unit who returns to the scene after eight years. Whitaker -- who may also get a producing credit -- will make an appearance on 'Criminal Minds' this spring, in a move similar to the way 'NCIS' introduced its 'Los Angeles' spinoff last season. [Hollywood Reporter]

More casting news after the jump.Forest Whitaker ('The Last King of Scotland'; TV's 'The Shield') is reportedly in negotiations to star in the upcoming 'Criminal Minds' spinoff on CBS. The Oscar winner will play the "dynamic" and "mysterious" Cooper, an ex-profiler in the Behavioral Unit who returns to the scene after eight years. Whitaker -- who may also get a producing credit -- will make an appearance on 'Criminal Minds' this spring, in a move similar to the way 'NCIS' introduced its 'Los Angeles' spinoff last season. [Hollywood Reporter]

'Ugly Betty' is about to give Vanessa Williams' Wilhelmina something to sing about. Broadway vet Brian Stokes Mitchell has landed a guest spot on the ABC series, playing Don, Wilhelmina's former lover who -- gasp! -- leads a blue collar life. Mitchell's role will begin sometime in February. Also joining the cast this season: Lainie Kazan ('My Big Fat Greek Wedding') and '24''s Nestor Serrano as Dina and Anthony, aka Hilda's parents. [Ausiello Files]