Debra Messing is reportedly in talks to play the lead role in NBC pilot Smash.
The musical project will follow a group of characters who decide to stage a Broadway show about the life of Marilyn Monroe.
Messing will play Julia, a friendly lyricist who is initially unsure about the show's subject matter, according to TV Line.
The actress is best known for her role in NBC sitcom Will & Grace. She recently appeared in an episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and also starred in short-lived USA series The Starter Wife.
Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg is currently linked to the Smash pilot, along with Chicago producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron, and Hairspray songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.