The once-and-future Al Swearengen will play a cop

Ian McShane has signed on to co-star in the Paramount drama "Case 39."

The "Deadwood" star will join fellow Golden Globe winner Renee Zellweger in the project, set to begin production later this summer in Vancouver.

In the Ray Wright-scripted project, Zellweger plays a social worker whose investigation into the case of an abused 10-year-old girl leads her to at first suspect the parents, but later to discover that things are not as they first appear. Imagine that.

McShane, who next appears on the big screen in Woody Allen's "Scoop," confirmed for reporters that he'll play a helpful cop in the project, set to be directed by Christian Alvart.

The Blackburn-born actor is currently in his third season as nefarious Al Swearengen on HBO's "Deadwood." That acclaimed role has helped him line up a slew of high profile upcoming projects including "We Are Marshall," the comedy "Hot Rod" and vocal work in "Shrek 3" and "Kung Fu Panda."