Alan Tudyk

NBC takes pair to court

lan Tudyk and Brit Andrew Lincoln have been tapped to star in NBC’s untitled Luke Reiter drama pilot, which is being directed by Barry Sonnenfeld.

The legal thriller from Universal Media Studios revolves around unapologetic lawyers at a prestigious New York civil firm, who will do whatever it takes to win their high-profile cases and outmaneuver one another.

Tudyk will play Charlie, a slick, gregarious lawyer who wants to make it to the top and will work all the angles to get there. Lincoln will play Joe, a soulful lawyer who has a true sense of justice and a hidden past. To complicate things, both are in love with the same woman.

The pilot, executive produced by Reiter and Sonnenfeld, is slated to begin production Oct. 22 in New York.

Sonnenfeld, who also executive produces ABC’s freshman drama series "Pushing Daisies," segues to the Reiter pilot from directing Fox’s comedy pilot "Hackett," which he wrapped last week. He also is attached to direct CBS’ fantasy drama "The Kingdom."

Tudyk recently appeared in "Knocked Up" and "3:10 to Yuma." He is repped by Endeavor and manager Geordie Frey.

Lincoln is the latest British actor to land a lead role in an U.S. network drama pilot. NBC has been leading the trend with three of its four new fall drama series, "Bionic Woman," "Life" and "Journeyman," fronted by Brits.

Lincoln, probably best known for his role in "Love Actually," has starred in such British series as "Teachers" and "Afterlife."