UPDATE: Fishburne has been confirmed for the new season.

As previously announced, CBS’ top-rated show will be facing another major departure next season. Now it’s up to the network to find someone capable of maintaining the show’s ratings record.

Cue Laurence Fishburne. The Matrix star is reportedly close to becoming the latest cast member of CSI. The actor, who would help to fill the void William Petersen eventually creates, is set to play an doctor/scientist with an interesting genetic background. Although he has the makeup of a serial killer, he has yet to act on any of his impulses. (I wonder if that’s something he mentions in his resume.)

John Malkovich and Kurt Russell were other names previously mentioned as possibles.

CSI‘s 9th season begins October 9.