CSI fans have had a tough couple of season. Original cast members have been dropping off the show like flies, with William Peterson being the next to go. Still, CBS is intent on keeping the show healthy and they’re trying to find a “big gun” replacement for Peterson to keep the show going.

There are rumors suggesting that John Malkovich and Kurt Russell have both been considered for the new lead, but the strongest rumor is that Laurance Fishburne is in talks to take over the role.

If everything works out, Fishburne would be playing a new character described as a doctor/scientist outsider to CSI. The character has the same genetic profile as a serial killer, but hasn’t previously acted on any homicidal impulses…at least not yet.

Personally, I think Fishburne is an ideal choice to replace Peterson, and there is a lot they could do with a character like the one described above.