EXCLUSIVE: NCIS alumna Cote de Pablo is nearing a return to series television. I have learned that the fan favorite is in negotiations to play the female lead opposite Jack Davenport in Prototype, Syfy’s sci-fi thriller drama pilot written by Tony Basgallop (24: Live Another Day). It centers on three unlikely cohorts — two of them played by de Pablo and Davenport — who inadvertently stumble upon an invention that challenges the very nature of quantum physics – a discovery which in turn puts their lives in grave danger.

De Pablo would play Laura Kale, a driven, extremely intelligent mother of two. Excited about a potentially world-changing machine being developed by herself and two partners, she is certain that she is on the brink of something history-making. Propelled by a shot at glory, she is not about to give up despite numerous setbacks.

Oscar nominee Juan Carlos Fresnadillo (Esposados) will direct the pilot and executive produce with Basgallo and Escape Artists Productions (Southpaw). Taylor Latham (Freeheld) will be co-executive producer.

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De Pablo’s Ziva David remains one of the most popular characters in the history of NCIS, with de Pablo’s 2013 decision to depart after 8 seasons deeply resonating with the show’s loyal fans who have been hoping for a Ziva return this season to see Michael Weatherly’s Tony DiNozzo off. Since NCIS, de Pablo starred on the CBS miniseries The Dovekeepers and had a role in The 33 movie.

De Pablo is repped by Paradigm, Management 360 and Ziffren Brittenham.

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