Haysbert tapped for CBS crime drama pilot

HOLLYWOOD, March 2 (UPI) -- U.S. actor Dennis Haysbert has been tapped to appear in the pilot of a CBS crime drama by "Bones" creator Hart Hanson, The Hollywood Reporter said.

The drama, "Backstrom," is based on a Swedish book series by Leif G.W. Persson about an overweight, offensive detective, Everett Backstrom, the entertainment industry publication reported Friday.

Haysbert is slotted to play opposite the Backstrom character as Det. John Almond, a kind and devoutly religious man who has been married for 30 years.

Hanson will write and executive produce the series should it be picked up, along with Persson and Niclas Salomonsson. Mark Mylod will direct the pilot and 20th Television will produce, The Hollywood Reporter said.

If the series is picked up by CBS, Hanson will once against have two series airing for the network. "Bones" spinoff "The Finder" aired for only one season.

Haysbert most recently appeared on CBS' drama "The Unit" from 2006-09 and Fox's "24" from 2001-06.