Chad Michael Murray Set as Male Lead in ABC's Natalie Portman-Produced Pilot 'Scruples'

Chad Michael Murray

Chad Michael Murray is plotting his series TV return.

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The former One Tree Hill star has been cast as the male lead in ABC's drama pilot Scruples, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

Based on the Judith Krantz novel, the sexy soap is set in the late 1970s and follows Billy (Claire Forlani), a socialite who, following her husband's death, seeks to open a fashion-forward boutique in the heart of Beverly Hills.

Undercovers' Boris Kodjoe plays Billy's ex-husband's attorney. Murray will play Spider Elliott, a handsome photographer and partner in Billy's fashion endeavor. Pan Am's Karinne Vanasse will guest star in the pilot as a designer named Valentine, with an option to become a regular should the drama go to pilot. The role is in second position to Pan Am.

Bob Brush and Mel Harris will pen the pilot and executive produce alongside Tony Krantz, Annette Savitch and Natalie Portman. Michael Sucsy is on board to direct the pilot, which hails from Warner Bros. Television.

Barry Bostwick played the role opposite Lindsay Wagner in the 1980 CBS miniseries based on Krantz's book.

For Murray, the role would mark his return to series television after the CW's One Tree Hill, which he departed following its sixth season. He reprised his role as Lucas Scott in a February episode of the CW series' ninth and final season.

Repped by WME, Brillstein Entertainment and Felker Toczek, Murray since departing One Tree Hill has been focused on features including Home of the Brave, House of Wax, A Cinderella Story and Freaky Friday.

Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit