Watch: Jude Law is 'The Young Pope' in New TV Series

Jude Law - The Young Pope
Jude Law stars as the first American pope in history in Sky Atlantic's new drama "The Young Pope". Sky Atlantic

Jude Law may be used the playing lotharios but his next role is a little more chaste: the British actor will star as the pope in a new television miniseries co-produced by U.K.'s Sky Atlantic, France's Canal+ and HBO in the U.S.

The first teaser trailer for The Young Pope , in which Law plays Lenny Belardo, Pope Pius XIII, the first American pope, was released early Wednesday morning.

Watch below:

The series' synopsis says "[Belardo's] election might seem the result of a simple and effective media strategy by the College of Cardinals but, as we know, appearances can be deceptive." Law's character will embark on a journey of self-discovery as he tries to achieve deeper accord with God, not only for mankind, but himself.

The newly elected pope is described as "shrewd and naïve, old-fashioned and very modern, doubtful and resolute, ironic, pedantic, hurt and ruthless."

The Young Pope is directed by Italian filmmaker Paolo Sorrentino, who, in 2014, won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film for 2013's The Great Beauty . The series marks Sorrentino's first foray into television.

Joining Law in the eight-part series is another Oscar winner—actor Diane Keaton as Sister Mary.

The Young Pope is expected to air in the U.K. on Sky Atlantic later in 2016.

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