'Poker Face' canceled at Peacock but Rian Johnson has bizarre plan involving Peter Dinklage

Yes, I will give you a moment to take that in. Rian Johnson’s quest to find another streamer or broadcaster for Poker Face after its cancellation makes sense. He seems to have at least two more seasons worth of Columbo-style adventures to explore. But the part that is not computing for me is recasting Charlie Cale, the show’s protagonist played by Natasha Lyonne, with Peter Dinklage.

Now, this is no disrespect to Mr. Dinklage because he’s quite the legendary thespian. However, the primary appeal of the show is what Lyonne brings to this character. And, Charlie being a woman often intertwines into the narrative, especially as she moves through situations where the “woman not being believed” trope applies. 

It seems that Natasha Lyonne is onboard with Peter Dinklage taking over the main role. She released a joint statement with Johnson, saying “We’ve been germinating this next move together since writing the season two finale. We love our Poker Face and this is the perfect way to keep it rolling. Give us a beat and we may just see Charlie Cale again down that open highway.”

Okay, I guess. This is all interesting considering Poker Face season two was one of Peacock’s most watched series. Perhaps Charlie will keep breezing into places and solving murders in a future where Peter Dinklage is the lead of Poker Face for two seasons. Good lord.