David Straithairn

David Strathairn will star in Syfy's new pilot Alphas, the network announced Tuesday.



Alphas focuses on a team of ordinary citizens with extraordinary mental abilities who tackle cases that the CIA, FBI and Pentagon have been unable to solve. Strathairn, 61, will play Dr. Leigh Rosen, the eccentric Alphas leader who is willing to bend the rules for his objectives and team.

Check out photos of David Strathairn

"We're honored to have an actor of David's versatility, caliber and renown join Alphas

," Mark Stern, Syfy's executive vice president of original programming, said in a statement. "With his incredible range of work in theater, feature films and television, he is the perfect choice to play the complex and nuanced Dr. Rosen."

Lost director Jack Bender to helm Syfy's Alphas

Strathairn earned a best-actor Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Edward R. Murrow in 2005's Good Night, and Good Luck . His other credits include The River Wild The Bourne Ultimatum and the HBO movie Temple Grandin . He most recently guest-starred in an episode of House Lost director Jack Bender will helm the 90-minute pilot of Alphas.