Actor Scott Speedman is to join the cast of Glee creator Ryan Murphy's new HBO drama Open. HBO have confirmed the actor will join the forthcoming drama which deals with sexuality and identity, according to sources speaking to The Hollywood Reporter.

The drama will explore issues surround sexuality and sexual identity, themes touched upon in Glee. Speedman is to play Jonathon a sports agent alongside Wes Bentley. Bentley's role is that of Evan Foster a character who is more than comfortable dictating his theories of sexuality.

Speedman has starred in such films as Underworld and The Strangers. Bentley has appeared in The Hunger Games and Jonah Hex. 

Scott Speedman
Scott Speedman will star in Open, pictured here at 36th Annual Toronto Film Festival. 

There may be semi-autobiographical elements to Murphy's new series, especially as his identity as a gay man is concerned. We have seen an increase in the number of gay actors appearing on our screens showing attitudes are changing. However Murphy, speaking to The Huffington Post, pointed out issues with being gay within the world of acting saying "people tried typecasting me before they even saw me in anything else. I never understood that". 

Ryan Murphy
Open series creator Ryan Murphy

The pilot has been written by the Glee creator and Dexter's Lauren Gussis. Should the episode prove successful and the pilot go ahead this will be the third of Murphy's series to air on a major network. Producers and writers from his previous projects have pledged their support including American Horror Story and Glee producer Dante DiLoreto.

Murphy's creations vary greatly from teenage musical Glee to dark and sinister American Horror Story. Is this Murphy's attempt at aiming for a middle ground? 

Open's pilot is due to air later this year, it will continue provided it is as successful as Murphy's previous projects. 

Wes Bentley
Wes Bentley at the premiere of Jonah Hex. He will star with Speedman in Open.