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Michael Weatherly lands new pilot ahead of 'NCIS' exit

The series is based on the early life of Dr. Phil, who co-wrote the pilot.

By Annie Martin
Michael Weatherly at the People's Choice Awards on January 8, 2014. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
1 of 3 | Michael Weatherly at the People's Choice Awards on January 8, 2014. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo

LOS ANGELES, March 17 (UPI) -- Michael Weatherly is lining up a new pilot in anticipation of his NCIS exit.

The 47-year-old actor will star in the CBS pilot Bull after ending a 13-season run as Anthony "Tony" DiNozzo on the long-running police drama.

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Bull is based on the early career of Dr. Phil McGraw, aka Dr. Phil, who co-founded a prolific trial consulting firm in 1990. The company analyzed juries to help clients develop defense strategies and win settlements.

Weatherly will play Dr. Jason Bull, the head of the fictional Trial Sciences, Inc. The character is described as having "a physicality and feral intelligence that make him magnetic to women, and a bruising candor."

McGraw co-wrote the pilot with House executive producer Paul Attanasio, and In Treatment developer Rodrigo Garcia as director. McGraw, his son Jay McGraw, Attanasio and Garcia will co-executive produce.

Weatherly, who is also known for playing Logan Cale on Fox series Dark Angel, announced his departure from NCIS in January. The actor didn't give a reason for his exit but thanked fans for the "fantastic ride."

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"DiNozzo is a wonderful, quixotic character & I couldn't have had more fun playing him over the past 13 seasons," he said at the time. "Les Moonves & CBS gave me the opportunity of a lifetime."

CBS Entertainment president Glenn Geller subsequently denied Cote de Pablo, who portrayed Ziva David, will appear on Weatherly's final episode. NCIS was renewed for two more seasons with Mark Harmon in February.

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