Fishburne Joining CSI

It was still up in the air a couple of weeks ago when we reported it, but it’s now confirmed. Matrix star Laurence Fishburne is joining the cast of CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, reports Access Hollywood. The CBS series was losing some star power with William Petersen (who plays lead detective Gil Grissom) leaving the show after nine seasons; and they needed a strong new member fast. Enter Laurence Fishburne. The drama, which enters its tenth season, will introduce Fishburne’s character in the ninth episode. He will play a forensic scientist with a secret who meets members of the “CSI” team during a murder investigation and ends up joining them. “I am elated and delighted to be joining the cast of `CSI,”’ Fishburne said in a statement, adding that he looked forward to a “wonderful collaboration” with those involved in the series. We’re looking forward to you joining the show, too, Laurence!