'Joe Exotic' Series: John Cameron Mitchell Roped In To Play Title Role

John Cameron Mitchell has been roped in to play Joe Exotic in an upcoming NBC limited series based on the former zoo operator's life.

It will also star actress Kate McKinnon as Carole Baskin, and will reflect on true events based on Wondery's podcast "Joe Exotic: Tiger King."

The series will feature the rivalry between Joseph Allen Maldonado-Passage -- professionally known as Joe Exotic -- and Baskin.

The 57-year-old actor took to Instagram on Monday to share a report's headline: "'Joe Exotic' Series Starring Kate McKinnon Adds John Cameron Mitchell In Title Role." Many fans and celebs took the comment section to praise the actor and share their excitement.

Actress Madeline Brewer wrote, "oh my god oh my god oh my god," while singer Leland commented, "YES!!!!" with heart emoji. The "Son of Rambow" star Bill Milner praised the actor and said, "Proud of you babe!"

Mitchell told ET in a statement, "I’m thrilled to take on the role of this modern folk antihero."

"Joe and I are the same age and like him, I grew up queer in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas so I feel like I know a little bit about this guy and his desperate attempt to conquer an inhospitable world," he continued.

The series will air on the USA Network, Peacock and NBC. Besides playing the title role, McKinnon will also serve as executive producer alongside Etan Frankel, who is responsible for writing the limited series.

This is not the first time the rivalry between Baskin and Exotic has been portrayed on screen. Previously, a documentary was made featuring the two on Netflix in 2020, which became an instant hit.

Exotic is currently serving a 22-year sentence in a prison in Texas. In 2019, he was found guilty of planning to kill Baskin and paying $3,000 to Allen Glover, who was supposed to execute the murder.

Baskin, who is an animal rights activist, had tried to shut Exotic's private zoo in Oklahoma. She had claimed Exotic illegally killed endangered tigers at his park in order to make space for new exotic animals. She is currently running her Big Cat Rescue in Citrus Park, Florida, and her husband Howard Baskin works as a treasurer, secretary and advisory board chairman at the wildlife sanctuary.