Rainn Wilson to Lead CBS Adaptation of Best-Selling Book Series BACKSTROM

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Rainn Wilson has signed on to lead the CBS adaptation of the best selling Swedish book series BACKSTROM. The actor joins previously announced cast members Dennis Haysbert (24) and Kristoffer Polaha. According to the report, the first table for the project will take place today, Monday, March 18th.

The drama, based on the Swedish book series by criminologist and novelist Leif G.W. Persson, Backstrom, will tell the story of "an overweight, offensive, irascible detective as he tries, and fails, to change his self-destructive behavior."

Wilson will portray Detective Everett Backstrom, who is returning to head the department's elite Special Crimes Group after being disgraced. His character is described as "having no filter who -- like Dwight -- always says what he feels with a clairvoyant hunch. He's a hard-drinking, hard-smoking junk food addict who has been warned to change unhealthy ways."

Hart Hanson (Bones) will write and executive produce the pilot along with Persson and Niclas Salomonsson. Mark Mylod will direct the project from 20th Television. Hanson revealed the casting news on Twitter yesterday posting, "We got our Backstrom! And wow, he's a corker!"

Wilson just wrapped the ninth and final season of NBC's 'The Office' in which he portrayed nerdy office salesman Dwight Schrute. The role earned him three supporting actor Emmy nominations for comedy. His film credits include Super, Peep World and The Rocker.

The series finale of The Office airs May 16th on NBC.

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