D Dipasupil/Getty Images for Tribeca Film FestivalAnother American is coming!
Paul Giamatti has joined the cast of Downton Abbey's fourth season, Carnival Films, ITV and Masterpiece on PBS announced on Monday.
The Emmy and Golden Globe award-winning actor, who will next be seen in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, is set to play Harold, the maverick playboy brother of Cora (Elizabeth McGovern). The John Adams star will be making his debut in the finale of season four, which PBS calls a "dramatic climax." Is it Jan. 5 yet?!
"We're excited that Paul Giamatti will be joining us on Downton to play Cora's brother Harold, the rather free-spirited uncle to Mary and Edith, " executive producer Gareth Neame said in a statement. "We can't wait to see him work alongside Shirley MacLaine, who are both sure to upset the Grantham's apple cart in this year's finale."
MacLaine and Giamatti as an outspoken mother and son duo? Color us ridiculously excited!
Additional actors making their Downton debut in season four include Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Tom Cullen, Julian Ovenden, Nigel Harman, Joanna David and Gary Carr.
Downton Abbey returns for its highly anticipated fourth season on Jan. 5, 2014, on PBS.