NBC lands Dermot Mulroney for drama pilot

NBC has landed another big name in the arm's race known as pilot season, as actor Dermot Mulroney has signed on to star in a new untitled conspiracy thriller pilot from the creator of Life, Rand Ravich.

The show will revolve around an unlikely puppeteer who has power over America's elite, from CEOs to high-ranking politicians. With this power, he is able to get them to do whatever he wants.

Mulroney's role is a weird fit, it seems. He plays Bill Gibson, a man who is abducted while chaperoning a private school trip (the entire bus is abducted). His daughter Beth Ann (Stevie Lynn Jones) is a passenger on the bus and Bill wanted this trip to be a chance for them to spend some time together and reconnect.

How this bus abduction plays into the puppeteer is unknown, at this time. Other announced cast members include Max Martini as Koz, the mercenary behind the abduction, and Gillian Anderson, Rachael Taylor, Lance Gross, Halston Sage and Joshua Erenberg.

Ravich will write the pilot and executive produce, along with Far Shariat. Phillip Noyce will be directing the pilot.

Mulroney has been seen this season on New Girl, and has appeared previously on HBO's Enlightened and  Friends in guest starring roles. However, if this series is picked up, it will be his first series as a regular cast member.