A new project at HBO has signed on an actor known for his work on the ABC drama series "NYPD Blue" to portray the U.S. president. Deadline.com reports that the HBO’s pilot “The Brink” cast Esai Morales in the role.

Morales played Tony Rodriguez on "NYPD Blue" from 2001-2004, and is also known for Showtime’s "Resurrection Blvd." the PBS drama "American Family" and Syfy’s "Caprica," among many other TV and film appearances.

Directed by Jay Roach, written by Roberto Benabib and Kim Benabib and executive produced by Jerry Weintraub, “The Brink” is said to be a dark comedy about a geopolitical crisis.

Morales will play U.S. President Julian Navarro. While the U.S. in real life has yet to elect a Hispanic president, that is a trend on TV, including Jimmy Smits’ Matt Santos on “The West Wing” and Blair Underwood playing Elias Martinez on “The Event,” the piece notes.

Morales recently co-starred on Starz’ “Magic City.”

Esai Morales