'Alias' star joins ABC drama pilot

Former "Alias" star Victor Garber is returning to ABC for a drama pilot called "Eli Stone."

Garber joins Jonny Lee Miller in the pilot, which was co-created by Marc Guggenheim ("Jack & Bobby") and Greg Berlanti ("Everwood," "Jack & Bobby"). Elsewhere, Natasha Richardson has joined the NBC comedy pilot "The Mastersons of Manhattan."

"Eli Stone" centers on Miller's character, a young lawyer who becomes convinced he's a prophet. Garber will play the father of Stone's fiancee and a senior partner at the law firm where Eli works, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Earlier this season, Garber played another lawyer on the FOX series "Justice," which was cancelled after its initial 13-episode run. ABC snapped him up for "Eli Stone" after it became apparent that "Justice" wasn't gong forward.

Garber has been nominated for six Emmys, including three for playing CIA operative Jack Bristow on "Alias." His most recent nomination came in 2005 for a guest spot on "Will & Grace."

Richardson, meanwhile, is taking on her first American series with "The Mastersons of Manhattan." It's described as a "comedic soap opera" about two sisters from a wealthy New York family. Gary Janetti ("Family Guy," "Will & Grace") wrote the pilot and is executive producing; multiple Emmy winner James Burrows will direct it.

Richardson's credits include "The Handmaid's Tale," "Nell," "Maid in Manhattan" and the 2005 film "Asylum," which earned her a British Independent Film award nomination for best actress.