Noah Wyle lands TNT sci-fi pilot

LOS ANGELES, June 26 (UPI) -- U.S. television actor Noah Wyle has signed on to star in the pilot for a possible science-fiction series from DreamWorks Television, TNT said Friday.

The pilot is being executive produced by Steven Spielberg, Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank and Robert Rodat.

"Saving Private Ryan" and "The Patriot" scribe Rodat is penning the as-yet-unnamed project about a band of resistance fighters attempting to thwart alien invaders. The screenplay is based on a concept Rodat conceived with Spielberg.

Wyle is best known for his work on the TV hospital drama "ER" and TNT's "The Librarian" movies. He is slated to play the leader of a rag-tag group of soldiers and civilians as they struggle against an occupying alien force, TNT said in a release.

"Noah Wyle is an incredibly talented actor and also an extraordinary person, so we're proud to work with him again," Michael Wright -- executive vice president and head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies -- said in a statement. "It's also great to collaborate with an amazing production team headed by Steven Spielberg on what is certain to be a compelling and provocative series."

"I am overjoyed to continue my association with TNT on this new project," Wyle added. "We have a longstanding relationship spanning four projects, and I couldn't feel more at home. I also have the pleasure of re-teaming with Steven Spielberg, who was behind the creation of 'ER,' my home for the last 15 years, and look forward to working with the DreamWorks Television team."

"It is a privilege to be starting a second series with Noah," Spielberg remarked. "The first didn't do too bad."