Heigl, left, and Strickland AP Images/Invision
The casting reunites Heigl with former 'Grey's Anatomy' exec producers Tony Phelan and Joan Rater.
CBS' drama pilot Doubt is staging a Grey's Anatomy reunion.
Following a prolonged deal-making process, Katherine Heigl has been tapped to star in the retooled pilot from Grey's Anatomy alums Tony Phelan and Joan Rater, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Doubt, which narrowly missed a series pickup in May after going through development season as one of the most buzzy scripts, centers on Sadie, a smart, chic, successful defense lawyer (Heigl) at a boutique firm who shockingly gets romantically involved with one of her clients who may or may not be guilty of a brutal crime.
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Heigl replaces another Shondaland alum, Private Practice alum KaDee Strickland, in the role. Male lead Teddy Sears is also likely to be recast as CBS continues to have high hopes for the drama. The cast also includes Dule Hill, Laverne Cox, Kobi Libii, Elliott Gould and Dreama Walker.
Doubt is written and exec produced by longtime Grey's Anatomy exec producers Tony Phelan and Joan Rater. The duo will reunite with Heigl after serving as writers on Grey's during her entire tenure on the ABC series. Heigl starred as Izzie for six seasons on Grey's before leaving the medical drama from Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers after the actress took a shot at the show's writers when she announced she wouldn't enter the Emmy race due to a lack of material.
For Heigl, the role marks her second TV role in as many years. She previously starred on NBC's State of Affairs, which was canceled after one season. Heigl is repped by WME, Nancy Heigl and Silver Lining Entertainment.
Doubt hails from CBS Television Studios, Timberman/Beverly Productions and is exec produced by Phelan, Rater, Carl Beverly and Sarah Timberman. Adam Bernstein will also exec produce and direct the new pilot.
Email: Lesley.Goldberg@THR.com
Twitter: @Snoodit
