Ryan Phillippe Backs Out of CBS Drama Pilot

As first reported on Deadline.com, actor Ryan Phillippe is backing out of the starring role in an upcoming drama pilot for the CBS network. The pilot is from Greg Berlanti ('Brothers and Sisters') and executive producer Nicholas Wootton. It will center on "one cop’s meteoric rise from officer to detective to Police Commissioner." Phillippe was to join previously announced cast members Kevin Alejandro ("True Blood') and Chi McBride ('Pushing Daisees')

According to the report, the actor expressed concerns over committing to the rigorous schedule of a full time network drama series. 

Phillippe will soon be seen in a guest-starring role on the upcoming final season of DirectTV's 'Damages'. He first appeared on TV in the role of gay teen, Billy Douglas, on the daytime soap opera ONE LIFE TO LIVE in the early 1990's.

No announcement has been made as to who will be recast in the project's starring role.