Eddie Izzard to Play Puritan Patriarch in Jenji Kohan’s HBO Salem Witch Trial Pilot

British comedian Eddie Izzard, 53, known for his genderbending ways, has been cast in The Devil You Know (working title), the upcoming Salem Witch Trial-based HBO pilot by Weeds and Orange Is the New Black creator, Jenji Kohan.

Izzard is set to play a Puritan framer by the name of Thomas Putnam, head of the well-to-do Putnam family, in the Gus Van Sant-directed pilot.

According to Deadline, Putnam "is a leader in agrarian Salem Village, but his top position is being threatened from many sides."

The network has also announced the casting of Nadia Alexander as Ann Putnam Jr., who made--and later renounced--accusations instrumental in sparking the trails, and Ismenia Mendes as orphan servant to the Putnams, Mercy Lewis.

Shooting begins this spring in Boston.

Izzard's Force Majeure world tour continues this year.

[h/t Flavorwire]