Joan Allen to topline pilot for TV series

Joan Allen, the longtime Steppenwolf Theatre ensemble member, has been tapped for a lead role in an untitled ABC drama pilot — again portraying a politican.

Written by Jenna Bans (“Scandal,” “Grey’s Anatomy”), the story focuses on the return of a politician’s son, presumed dead after disappearing more than 10 years earlier. Just as the young man is welcomed home, the neighbor who has been jailed for his murder a decade ago, is released from prison. Plus the police officer responsible for the neighbor’s conviction is forced to really find out what happened back then.

For Allen’s character, the return of her son leads her to attempt to capitalize on it all to further her polticial ambitions.

Other members of the cast include Florianna Lima (“Allegiance”), Zach Gilford and Margot Bingham.

Of course, this isn’t the first time Allen has been cast as a poltical figure. She was Oscar-nominated for her portrayal of Pat Nixon in “Nixon” and as a potential vice presidential candidate in “The Contender.”