Noah Wyle leads TNT's Spielberg/Aliens pilot

Noah Wyle on NBC's 'E.R.'

Credit: James Stenson/NBC

TNT has turned to a familiar face, "The Librarian" star Noah Wyle, as the lead in the network's new alien invasion pilot from executive producer Steven Spielberg.

The cable giant announced Friday (June 26) that Wyle will play the leader of a band of human resistance waging war against alien occupiers in the pilot from writer Robert Rodat ("Saving Private Ryan).

Rodat, Spielberg, Justin Falvey and Darryl Frank will executive produce the pilot, which begins in the aftermath of the alien invasion, as our new E.T. overlords are rounding up the human survivors.

"Noah Wyle is an incredibly talented actor and also an extraordinary person, so we’re proud to work with him again," states Michael Wright, executive vice president, head of programming for TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies. "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."

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

That first series? A little medical drama named "E.R.," for which Wyle earned five Emmy nominations for his work as Dr. John Carter. Wyle has also earned strong ratings for TNT as the star of three telefilms in the "Librarian" franchise.

"I am overjoyed to continue my association with TNT on this new project," Wyle says in the TNT statement. "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."

And speaking of that DreamWorks Television team, they also got a quote in the lengthy TNT press release.

"We look forward to extending our relationship with TNT and working with Noah Wyle on this exciting and powerful project," say Falvey and Frank.  "Noah is a truly gifted actor whose everyman qualities will make the drama of the series very real and relatable for viewers."