David Dastmalchian, the Dune and The Suicide Squad actor is joining 20th Century Studios’ Boston Strangler, which stars Keira Knightley, Carrie Coon, Alessandro Nivola and Chris Cooper.

The film, from writer-director Matt Ruskin, is based on the infamous Boston Strangler murders that rocked Boston from 1962-64 and left at least 11 women dead. The film centers on Loretta McLaughlin (Knightley), the reporter who broke the story of the strangler. Along with reporter Jean Cole, McLaughlin challenged the sexism of the era, pursuing the story at personal risk and uncovering corruption that cast doubt on the identity of the strangler.

Dastmalchian joins the cast in what is described as a pivotal, undisclosed role. Filming is slated to begin next month in Boston.

The casting caps the biggest year of Dastmalchian’s career.

He had a breakthrough role in The Suicide Squad as The Polka-Dot man, and appeared in Dune as the villainous Piter De Vries.

He also filmed the Dracula-inspired The Last Voyage of Demeter, which is due out in January 2023.

Dastmalchian began his screen career by playing a small role in The Dark Knight and appeared as Ant-Man pal Kurt in Ant-Man and Ant-Man and the Wasp.

Dastmalchian is also a writer, penning indie scripts as well as the Dark Horse Comics title Count Crowley: Reluctant Midnight Monster Hunter.

Scott Free’s Ridley Scott, Kevin Walsh and Michael Pruss are producing Boston Strangler with LuckyChap Entertainment’s Tom Ackerley and Josey McNamara.

Sam Roston will oversee for Scott Free and Bronte Payne will oversee for LuckyChap. Sarah Shepard will oversee for 20th Century.