'That '70s Show' actor will star in and co-executive produce 'The Emancipation of Ernesto'

Wilmer Valderrama is expected to return to his FOX roots as the star of the one-hour comedy pilot "The Emancipation of Ernesto."

According to the industry trades, FOX has ordered a pilot for "Emancipation," which was written by "Emily's Reasons Why Not" creator Emily Kapnek and will be produced through 20th Century Fox TV.

Valderrama will play Ernesto, an innocent young man on a quest to find his father in modern Los Angeles. The Hollywood Reporter compares the project to "The Jerk" in tone and the character to the title role in "Forrest Gump" or Peter Sellers' Chance from "Being There."

In addition to starring, Valderrama would serve as co-executive producer.

The trade says FOX hasn't had an hour-long comedy since "Ally McBeal," but that may depend on how you choose to define "Keen Eddie" or "Wonderfalls."

"Ernesto" would mark Valderrama's return to scripted television. He spent eight seasons as Fez on FOX's "That '70s Show." He's transitioned into feature films like "Fast Food Nation" and "Unaccompanied Minors."