Fishburne Finalises Investigation On Petersen Replacement

LATEST: Actor LAURENCE FISHBURNE has won the casting war to replace WILLIAM PETERSEN in the hit U.S. TV show CSI: CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION.

Fishburne - who was said to be battling for the role with legendary screen star John Malkovich - will play a forensics scientist in the series.

The actor said in a statement: "I am elated and delighted to be joining the cast of CSI," adding his new work will be a "wonderful collaboration".

Show executive producers Carol Mendelsohn and Naren Shankar said in a joint statement: "Without hesitation, we said (to CBS bosses) Laurence Fishburne (should take the part). He is a powerful and intense actor, with an incredible range."

Petersen has been with the series since its 2000 debut and will remain an executive producer on the show.

Fishburne will be introduced in the show's forthcoming 10th season, set to debut in October (08).