2015’s 12 Monkeys has been received quite well over the past two years. Based on Terry Gilliam’s 1995 film, the Toronto-produced Syfy series focuses on James Cole, a man who enters the present from the future in order to prevent a major virus from killing over 90% of humanity. Time travel remains a core part of the series throughout. Now, brand new information on 12 Monkeys‘ upcoming Season 3 reveals Christopher Lloyd will star as a major character. But he won’t be joining Cole as a protagonist. No, he’s taking on the role of a villain.
As Nerdist reports, Lloyd will enter the show as Zalmon Shaw, a man who runs a cult that “preys upon others’ tragedies and losses in order to recruit new members” into an apocalyptic-style organization entitled The Army of the 12 Monkeys. Interesting. Lloyd’s character also serves as the Pallid Man’s father, connecting the series’ present timeline into the future in interesting ways between two antagonists.
The Back to the Future star has yet to appear in any official teasers for the upcoming season, nor is there much known about Shaw’s role beyond Lloyd’s initial reveal. But his inclusion into the season is definitely a strong move. Season 2 received some mixed reviews, albeit most critics were pleased with the overall course of the show. Lloyd’s star power might draw sci-fi fans into checking out the series for the sheer premise of Zalmon Shaw’s appearance alone. Plus, with The Army of the 12 Monkeys considered a charismatic cult, one can expect Lloyd’s character will be a rather interesting addition into the cast dynamic.
12 Monkeys returns to Syfy sometime next year. Until then, keep an eye out for more news on Lloyd’s role and appearance. There’s sure to be a couple teasers showing his character’s behavior for the upcoming season before it officially returns to TV.