Sense8 Will Brian J. Smith
Brian J. Smith, who stars in “Sense 8,” was nominated for an Olivier Award for his role in “The Glass Menagerie.” Netflix

Brian J. Smith is officially an Olivier Award nominated actor. The “Sense8” star discovered he was nominated for the prestigious British theater award when nominations were announced Monday morning. The actor noted that he was not expecting the news and excitedly thanked his supporters on Twitter.

He is nominated for best actor in a supporting role for his work in “The Glass Menagerie.” The Texas native plays the Gentleman Caller in the show at the Duke of York’s Theatre in London. The same role also earned him a Tony nomination when he performed on Broadway in 2013. He is nominated for the Olivier Award against Anthony Boyle from “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child,” Freddie Fox from “Travesties” and Rafe Spall from “Hedda Gabbler.” Smith will find out if he’s a winner on April 9, less than a month before “Sense8” Season 2 returns.

The Olivier nomination might not be the only good news headed Smith’s way. He is most well-known for his role on Netflix’s sci-fi drama “Sense8,” and Deadline reports that the streaming giant is currently trying to lock down the cast for Season 3. They let the cast’s options expire after Season 2, sparking many cancellation rumors before the season has even aired. The news that they’re trying to get new contracts signed seemingly indicates that Season 3 renewal prospects are looking great.

As previously reported, Smith said that Season 2 wouldn’t really be a satisfying ending. “I think we’ll all know whether or not we should do a third season. I hope we do. I can say there’s definitely more story to tell after Season 2. We’re not done with it and I hope we get to finish it, I really do,” he told Digital Spy earlier this year.

Half the “Sense8” cast is reportedly signed while the other half is in negotiations still. It isn’t clear if Smith is under contract yet, but he has noted that he hopes to return. “This year was a trial for a lot of us at different times, but looking back on it, I certainly can’t wait to do it again, if we get to. You rarely get to have that kind of experience in life, where it just takes you to the next level,” he said.

“Sense8” Season 2 premieres May 5 on Netflix. News about Season 3 likely won’t come until after the new episodes premiere.

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