The True Detective season 2 plot has been shrouded in secrecy since Nic Pizzolato announced the follow up to the ground-breaking HBO drama, though, in a week that has seen both Vince Vaughn and Elisabeth Moss linked to roles, it appears industry mag The Wrap have stumbled upon a breakdown of the narrative.

Elisabeth MossElisabeth Moss is ready to sign on for True Detective season 2 [Getty/Ilya. S. Savenok]

Apparently the second season of True Detective will follow the death of Ben Caspar, a corrupt city manager in a fictional Californian city. He's found brutally murdered amid a huge transportation deal that would change freeway gridlock in the state. Now - and this is where the new cast members come in - three law enforcement officers from different cities and branches of the government are tasked with finding out the identity of the murderer, though they soon discover that the investigation has darker implications than initially thought.

Vince VaughnCould Vince Vaughn play the chief antagonist in True Detective season 2? [Getty/Jason Merritt]

At this moment in time, it is understood the three leads could be Taylor Kitsch, Colin Farrell and Elisabeth Moss, with Vince Vaughn in talks to play the chief antagonist Frank Semyon - a former thug-turned-businessman who's working with a local mayor and his political cohorts to spearhead the construction of a high speed railway system that links Southern and Northern California. Michelle Forbes of 'The Killing' is nearing a deal for a key role.

Moss would pay small-town cop Ani Bezzerides - a no nonsense sheriff whose troubled upbringing has driven her to gambling and alcohol. 

Taylor KitschTaylor Kitsch will play an army veteran [Getty/Alberto. E. Rodriguez]

Farrell is close to agreeing to play Ray Velcoro, a cop who's been damaged by years of turmoil in both his personal and professional lives. 

Taylor Kitsch will likely play Paul Woodrugh, a handsome military veteran.

Forbes will play either Farrell's ex-wife, or Vaughn's charming wife. 

Pizzolato said a while back that he was writing four leads into True Detective season three, though it's likely Vaughn's character was included in his thinking. 

Michelle ForbesMichelle Forbes could play one of two roles [Getty/Rachel Murray]