Michael Pitt set for Scorsese's HBO pilot
Actor to join Steve Buscemi in drama 'Boardwalk Empire'
Written by Terrence Winter and to be directed by Scorsese, "Empire" is based on Nelson Johnson's book, which chronicles the 1920s origins of Atlantic City, N.J.
The story centers on Nucky Johnson (Buscemi), a cunning businessman who runs a liquor distribution ring at the onset of Prohibition, and Jimmy Darmody (Pitt), a young, highly intelligent and ruthless WWI veteran, a low-level flunky for Nucky who wants to quickly climb the ladder.
Kelly Macdonald was previously cast in the pilot.
"Empire" is executive produced by Scorsese, Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson and Winter.
Pitt, who recurred on "Dawson's Creek," has starred in the feature films "The Dreamers," "The Village," "Last Days" and "Funny Games."
Pitt is repped by UTA, Untitled Entertainment and attorney James Adams.