Latest reports claimed that actor Christian Bale turned down the offer of lead role for "True Detective" season 2.

HBO is gearing up for the second season of the hit TV series to follow the successful run of the eight-episode "True Detective" season 1. The first season packed strong lead actors - Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson.

Show runner Nic Pizzolatto recently confirmed that the second season of "True Detective" will have a different story and different characters than before. Pizzolatto also said that the previous detectives McConaughey and Harrelson will not be returning to the show.

Reports stated that HBO scouted Christian Bale for the lead role for "True Detective" season 2 as one of the replacements for McConaughey and Harrelson. However, Christian Bale said no and leaned towards "The Deep Blue Good-By," which is a film adaptation of John D. McDonald's novel with the same title.

Christian Bale is not the only actor rumored to be part of the show. Brad Pitt, Jessica Chastain, Michael Fassbender, Josh Brolin, Joaquin Phoenix, and Colin Farell were all rumored to be part of the show.

Meanwhile, show creator Nic Pizzolatto said that the script of "True Detective" season 2 is halfway finished. He also revealed that next season will feature four main characters rather than the initially rumored three lead roles.

"#True Detective Twitter EXCLU: The 1st script for the 2nd season is IN & agency sources tell us it features one MALE lead & male/female co-stars," The Wrap reported.

The show creator also confirmed that season 2 will be shot in California. There were rumors that the second season will centrally revolve around the "secret occult history of the U.S. transportation system," but Pizzolatto remained tight-lipped about it.

HBO has not announced the premiere date of "True Detective" season 2 yet. However, reports claimed that the series will be back on air in January 2015.