'The Returned' adds Omar Epps, Kurtwood Smith

ABC's pilot 'The Returned' completed its principal casting, announcing today that Omar Epps, Kurtwood Smith and Landon Gimenez have each been cast in leading roles.

Based on an upcoming novel by Jason Mott, 'The Returned' is a supernatural semi-zombie story about how the lives of the people in Arcadia are forever changed when their deceased loved ones return. Here's the catch--unlike other return-from-the-dead tales, these deceased aren't hungering for living flesh... they are simply back. What to do with them, how to adjust as a society become the issues of the day.

Epps is best known for his starring roles on the series 'ER' and 'House.' For once, Epps will not be playing a doctor: he'll play Martin Bellamy, an agent with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

Kurtwood Smith is known as the gruff father Red from 'That 70s Show.' In 'The Returned,' Smith plays a man named Harold who is affected when his deceased son suddenly returns to him. Harold's son is to be played by newcoming child actor Landon Gimenez.

Epps, Smith and Gimenez join an already robust cast for the ABC pilot which includes Sam Hazeldine, Samaire Armstrong and Matt Craven. British actor Sam Hazeldine is recognized from the recent feature film 'The Raven;' 'The Returned' marks his first big foray into American television. The lovely Samaire Armstrong has held a recurring role on 'The Mentalist.' Finally, Matt Craven is recognizable for his guest starring role on 'Justified' and a recurring role on 'NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service.'

What do you think of the concept for 'The Returned?'