Forest Whitaker - Whitaker Heading To Criminal Minds?

Oscar-winning actor FOREST WHITAKER is reportedly in negotiations for a major TV deal to lead the upcoming CRIMINAL MINDS spin-off.

Bosses at America's CBS network are planning to expand the popular cop drama into a franchise with a new series due to air later this year (10).

And The Last King of Scotland star has been chosen to head up the all-new cast, according to EW.com.

The website reports Whitaker will be introduced to viewers in a Criminal Minds episode this spring (10), which will set the scene for the spin-off.

Whitaker's last major TV role was in another police show - he starred in two series of The Shield between 2006 and 2007.