Studio extends options on drama pilot's cast

ABC's presumed-dead pilot "Football Wives" is getting at least a tentative new lease on life.

The show, an adaptation of the British hit "Footballers Wives," attracted a fair amount of buzz during pilot season, but ABC chose not to make the show one of its 11 series orders for the 2007-08 season. Now, though, the network may be reconsidering its position.

ABC Studios, which produced the pilot, has extended its options on the show's cast, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The move keeps the cast -- which includes James Van Der Beek ("Dawson's Creek"), Gabrielle Union ("Night Stalker"), Lucy Lawless ("Battlestar Galactica") and Ving Rhames ("Mission: Impossible III") -- from taking roles on other series and suggests that ABC may still be interested in "Football Wives."

Marco Pennette ("Ugly Betty," "Crumbs") wrote the pilot, transplanting the high-camp British soap about the wives of professional soccer players in England to American football. Bryan Singer ("Superman Returns," "House") directed it. The cast also includes Kiele Sanchez ("Lost"), Eddie Cibrian ("Invasion") and Arielle Kebbel ("Gilmore Girls").

Even if ABC does ultimately decide to pass on "Football Wives," the HR says it may find a life elsewhere. NBC and FOX are reportedly interested in the show.