'Harry Potter' Star Jason Isaacs Takes the Lead in New Drama, 'REM'

Jason Isaacs is preparing to return to TV screens with the lead role in NBC's new drama pilot, 'REM.'

Isaacs was one of the hottest properties around this pilot season, and he was reportedly offered a half-dozen roles to pick from before plumping for 'REM.' It's described as an 'Inception'-style thriller, which centers on a cop (Isaacs) who wakes up after an accident to find he is living in two different realities.

The new drama is the latest creation from 'Lone Star' writer Kyle Killen, and will be exec-produced by former '24' showrunner Howard Gordon. In addition to starring, Isaacs will also serve as producer on the project.

Although he's best-known for roles in movies such as 'Black Hawk Down' and 'The Patriot,' the British-born Isaacs has been much in demand for TV roles since his Showtime drama, 'Brotherhood,' ended in 2008. However, he was unavailable for pilot castings in 2009 due to his prior commitments on the 'Harry Potter' movie franchise, where he portrayed the dastardly Lucius Malfoy.

After hanging up his blonde wig and wand, Isaacs entered the pilot fray last season. He is said to have turned down roles in seven other pilots in favor of joining Fox's legal drama, 'Pleading Guilty.' Based on the book by Scott Turow, the Chicago-based pilot co-starred Mädchen Amick and John Larroquette.

Killen's previous drama, 'Lone Star,' made it to a series order, but then was swiftly culled from the Fox lineup after only two episodes. Stay tuned to see if 'REM' can avoid a similar fate.