Exclusive Pilot Season Preview: The 36 Most Wanted Actors And Actresses

By Michael Ausiello Dec. 10, 2012 6:00 pm EST

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byrne

Rose Byrne Though she made her name off of Damages, it was Bridesmaids that made that name a household one. So perhaps it isn’t surprising that the no-longer-secretly funny lady is said to be looking for a half-hour comedy.

Rose Byrne

Though she made her name off of Damages, it was Bridesmaids that made that name a household one. So perhaps it isn't surprising that the no-longer-secretly funny lady is said to be looking for a half-hour comedy.

camp

Anna Camp Her Mindy Project status change from series regular to recurring player has given the blonde bombshell the out she needed to really break out. Our hunch: She’ll do it by trading comedy for drama this time around.

Anna Camp

Her Mindy Project status change from series regular to recurring player has given the blonde bombshell the out she needed to really break out. Our hunch: She'll do it by trading comedy for drama this time around.

chandler

Kyle Chandler The Friday Night Lights coach will once again be offered everything under the sun. He will likely once again pass — especially given the momentum that his feature career has gained (see also: Zero Dark Thirty, Argo).

Kyle Chandler

The Friday Night Lights coach will once again be offered everything under the sun. He will likely once again pass — especially given the momentum that his feature career has gained (see also: Zero Dark Thirty, Argo).

Community

The Cast of Community Since NBC’s cult comedy seems less likely to get a fifth season than Jeff Winger does to graduate from Greendale with honors, the show's all-stars are sure to be first-round draft picks — albeit in second position.

The Cast of Community

Since NBC's cult comedy seems less likely to get a fifth season than Jeff Winger does to graduate from Greendale with honors, the show's all-stars are sure to be first-round draft picks — albeit in second position.

63rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards - Arrivals

Anna Faris The funny gal has a huge half-hour comedy or light drama target on her back. Our advice: Aim carefully, Hollywood — when we finally get the former House Bunny in a series, we want it to be a great one!

Anna Faris

The funny gal has a huge half-hour comedy or light drama target on her back. Our advice: Aim carefully, Hollywood — when we finally get the former House Bunny in a series, we want it to be a great one!

ferrera

America Ferrera Doesn’t two years seem like a pretty long time to go without seeing the star of Ugly Betty in a regular role? Casting directors agree.

America Ferrera

Doesn't two years seem like a pretty long time to go without seeing the star of Ugly Betty in a regular role? Casting directors agree.

fraser

Brendan Fraser If timing is everything, the Mummy leading man has it all! He exited TNT's Legends pilot over creative differences last month… just in time for him to consider other options during pilot season!

Brendan Fraser

If timing is everything, the Mummy leading man has it all! He exited TNT's Legends pilot over creative differences last month... just in time for him to consider other options during pilot season!

The Amazing Spider-Man - UK Premiere - Inside Arrivals

Anna Friel Last pilot season, the Pushing Daisies ingénue had a couple of near-misses. This pilot season, expect a rerun… though hopefully, with better results!

Anna Friel

Last pilot season, the Pushing Daisies ingénue had a couple of near-misses. This pilot season, expect a rerun... though hopefully, with better results!

Kane talks with Stone & asks him to step out for a minute. Kane & company watch Ruiz on the news. Kane is fuming. Zajac tells Kane why he got into politics. Kane makes peace with Potawatomi Nation in front of press

Kelsey Grammer Since Boss' cancellation has made the erstwhile Frasier a free agent — and since he tends to stay busy — he’s sure to be courted by a lotta shows.

Kelsey Grammer

Since Boss' cancellation has made the erstwhile Frasier a free agent — and since he tends to stay busy — he's sure to be courted by a lotta shows.

Political Animals - Season 2012

Carla Gugino The erstwhile Karen Sisco dazzled on USA's ambitious Political Animals. She also dazzled as Max Greenfield's S&M partner on New Girl. So, to sum up, she dazzles in, like, everything.

Carla Gugino

The erstwhile Karen Sisco dazzled on USA's ambitious Political Animals. She also dazzled as Max Greenfield's S&M partner on New Girl. So, to sum up, she dazzles in, like, everything.

heigl

Katherine Heigl Don't laugh. OK, laugh, because it's unlikely that the former Grey's Anatomy doc would return to a broadcast series just three years after her acrimonious exit from the ABC soap. However, there is buzz that she might sign on for a high-profile cable show.

Katherine Heigl

Don't laugh. OK, laugh, because it's unlikely that the former Grey's Anatomy doc would return to a broadcast series just three years after her acrimonious exit from the ABC soap. However, there is buzz that she might sign on for a high-profile cable show.

holmes

Katie Holmes File this one under pipe dreams. Or, on second thought, don't. The ex Mrs. Tom Cruise is being eyed by several studios, all of which are keen on putting her back where it all began. On a series, we mean. Not at Dawson’s Creek.

Katie Holmes

File this one under pipe dreams. Or, on second thought, don't. The ex Mrs. Tom Cruise is being eyed by several studios, all of which are keen on putting her back where it all began. On a series, we mean. Not at Dawson's Creek.

hudson

Kate Hudson While she continues to kill on Glee this season, casting directors are lining up at her door with offers for next season. Can’t say we blame ’em!

Kate Hudson

While she continues to kill on Glee this season, casting directors are lining up at her door with offers for next season. Can't say we blame 'em!

isaacs

Jason Isaacs Everyone still wants to play ball with the Awake actor. The only question is, will he pick the right team?

Jason Isaacs

Everyone still wants to play ball with the Awake actor. The only question is, will he pick the right team?

30 Rock

Jane Krakowski The 30 Rock gem has shone as a second banana all these years — and casting directors have taken notice. When she makes her comeback — oh, and she will — expect it to be as the lead in a comedy of her own.

Jane Krakowski

The 30 Rock gem has shone as a second banana all these years — and casting directors have taken notice. When she makes her comeback — oh, and she will — expect it to be as the lead in a comedy of her own.

House

Hugh Laurie The House actor is currently circling a number of high-profile projects, including NBC's pirate drama, Crossbones. And, as sea… er, see-worthy as he is, what captain wouldn’t want to welcome him aboard?

Hugh Laurie

The House actor is currently circling a number of high-profile projects, including NBC's pirate drama, Crossbones. And, as sea... er, see-worthy as he is, what captain wouldn't want to welcome him aboard?

leoni

Téa Leoni More than a decade after her last series, the Naked Truth head-turner remains a hot property. The trick for her will be finding a project that can adequately showcase both her dramatic chops and her comic timing.

Téa Leoni

More than a decade after her last series, the Naked Truth head-turner remains a hot property. The trick for her will be finding a project that can adequately showcase both her dramatic chops and her comic timing.

long

Justin Long The onetime Ed regular's arc on New Girl as Zooey Deschanel's love interest only confirmed what we already knew: He needs to get back on TV pronto. (Luckily, he now seems to agree… )

Justin Long

The onetime Ed regular's arc on New Girl as Zooey Deschanel's love interest only confirmed what we already knew: He needs to get back on TV pronto. (Luckily, he now seems to agree... )

"Desperate Housewives" Series Finale

Eva Longoria Mothers, lock up your hunky young gardeners! It would appear that this Desperate Housewife is ready to return to TV. What’s more, she’d like to do so in a way that reminds people that she isn’t just pretty, she’s pretty funny, too.

Eva Longoria

Mothers, lock up your hunky young gardeners! It would appear that this Desperate Housewife is ready to return to TV. What's more, she'd like to do so in a way that reminds people that she isn't just pretty, she's pretty funny, too.

30 Rock - Season 7

James Marsden The past coupla seasons, the Cineplex Cyclops has resisted the lure of the pilot. But, now that he’s been so warmly received as Tina Fey’s 30 Rock husband, he’s rumored to be ready to take the plunge.

James Marsden

The past coupla seasons, the Cineplex Cyclops has resisted the lure of the pilot. But, now that he's been so warmly received as Tina Fey's 30 Rock husband, he's rumored to be ready to take the plunge.

McLendon-Covey

Wendi McLendon-Covey Since her ABC comedy pilot, Only Fools and Horses, is DOA, the Bridesmaids actress is once again back out in the marketplace. (Frankly, we’d just spin off the lesbian mom she played on Modern Family into a series with her partner.)

Wendi McLendon-Covey

Since her ABC comedy pilot, Only Fools and Horses, is DOA, the Bridesmaids actress is once again back out in the marketplace. (Frankly, we'd just spin off the lesbian mom she played on Modern Family into a series with her partner.)

The Broath

Becki Newton Fox's decision to drastically cut its order for The Goodwin Games suggests that the once-promising comedy is doomed. If true, that puts this Ugly Betty alumna back atop wish lists everywhere. (So, sorry, every actress of approximately Newton’s age and/or look — she will get the rom-com roles you’re up for. All of them.)

Becki Newton

Fox's decision to drastically cut its order for The Goodwin Games suggests that the once-promising comedy is doomed. If true, that puts this Ugly Betty alumna back atop wish lists everywhere. (So, sorry, every actress of approximately Newton's age and/or look — she will get the rom-com roles you're up for. All of them.)

phillippe

Ryan Phillippe Though the Cruel Intentions cad dropped out of CBS' Golden Boy pilot at the 11th hour, his name is still sure to be atop everyone's wish list. Probably with hearts dotting the I’s.

Ryan Phillippe

Though the Cruel Intentions cad dropped out of CBS' Golden Boy pilot at the 11th hour, his name is still sure to be atop everyone's wish list. Probably with hearts dotting the I's.

ritter

Jason Ritter The Parenthood MVP chose drama last year but struck out with Jason Katims' ill-fated County. This year, the buzz is that, when he steps up to the plate, it’ll be in a half-hour comedy.

Jason Ritter

The Parenthood MVP chose drama last year but struck out with Jason Katims' ill-fated County. This year, the buzz is that, when he steps up to the plate, it'll be in a half-hour comedy.

L

Scott Speedman Last Resort didn’t… you know… last. But Hollywood remains as fixated on the leading man as Felicity once was on a certain hunky collegian named Ben.

Scott Speedman

Last Resort didn't... you know... last. But Hollywood remains as fixated on the leading man as Felicity once was on a certain hunky collegian named Ben.

Smash - Season 1

Uma Thurman Those who viewed the movie star’s Smash arc as a testing of the waters for a full-time gig can pat themselves on the back. They were so right that the Kill Bill butt-kicker is already fielding offers.

Uma Thurman

Those who viewed the movie star's Smash arc as a testing of the waters for a full-time gig can pat themselves on the back. They were so right that the Kill Bill butt-kicker is already fielding offers.

tomei

Marisa Tomei Since there’s virtually nothing that the Oscar winner can’t do (maybe juggling?), her big dilemma will likely be deciding what she really wants to do.

Marisa Tomei

Since there's virtually nothing that the Oscar winner can't do (maybe juggling?), her big dilemma will likely be deciding what she really wants to do.

wayne callies

Sarah Wayne Callies There’s not a broadcast series currently or imminently on the air that wouldn’t kill for even a fraction of The Walking Dead’s ratings. That puts this casualty of the AMC hit in even higher demand than a cure for zombie breath!

Sarah Wayne Callies

There's not a broadcast series currently or imminently on the air that wouldn't kill for even a fraction of The Walking Dead's ratings. That puts this casualty of the AMC hit in even higher demand than a cure for zombie breath!