Criminal Minds: Evolution has featured plenty of surprises throughout its run. One of the biggest surprises has been Zach Gilford's performance as serial killer Elias Voit. With Paramount+ renewing Criminal Minds for Season 2, the series has an opportunity to further shock fans by casting another unexpected villain -- and the perfect choice is very clear.
The original Criminal Minds was a hit for CBS before it ended in 2020, following the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit as they pursued violent criminals. The UnSub -- short for "unknown subject" -- featured in each episode was usually one of the darkest minds imaginable. Evolution changed that format by telling one ongoing story about Voit and his network of fellow murderers. To follow Gilford's work, the series should look toward John Krasinski in Season 2.
Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2 Needs Another Unexpected Unsub
There will be some pretty big shoes to fill when Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2 casts its UnSub. One of the first season's most successful yet disturbing elements was the inclusion of Elias Voit AKA Sicarius as the main villain. The man leads two very different lives: one as a family man and an upstanding citizen and the other as a cold-blooded killer. What makes his character so terrifying is his unsuspecting nature. Like real-life serial killers Dennis Rader and John Wayne Gacy, he's seen as a lovable, nurturing dad. No one would suspect the soccer dad to be a murderer. Voit proves that anyone can be violent.
Casting Zach Gilford as such a dark character is also quite shocking. He's best known for his role as Matt Saracen in Friday Night Lights. That role alone paints him as an innocent good guy. Gilford is also recognizable for starring alongside singer and actress Taylor Swift in her 2011 music video for "Ours." His massive shift from all-American to a horrible villain adds to Criminal Minds' surprise factor. Like Voit and his double life, most people wouldn't have expected Gilford to so convincingly play a bad guy. Even his recent appearances in horror series Midnight Mass and The Midnight Club don't compare to what he's done as Elias Voit.
Criminal Minds Would Give John Krasinski His Villain Role
John Krasinski will always be known and beloved for his role as Jim Halpert in The Office. He also starred in the critically acclaimed horror film A Quiet Place, which he directed and co-wrote; he then wrote and directed the sequel. Currently, Krasinski is playing Jack Ryan in Prime Video's Jack Ryan series, based on Tom Clancy's novels. He's definitely used to playing the hero and is seen as the hero in viewers' eyes, so a villainous role would be a major change for him.
Criminal Minds: Evolution would be wise to cast him as its next UnSub and continue its trend of surprising viewers. Krasinski has the range to play a bad guy based on his performances in Jack Ryan, the first two Quiet Place films and 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi. His casting would also continue a little-known connection between Criminal Minds and The Office; Brian Baumgartner, Beth Grant and Evan Peters have all appeared on both shows. Krasinski joining that short list would give Criminal Minds: Evolution Season 2 the truly unknown villain it needs and Krasinski a further chance to expand his career.
Criminal Minds: Evolution is now streaming on Paramount+.