Nicolas Cage is set to executive-produce The Dresden Files, an original two-hour back-door pilot scheduled to air next summer on SCI FI Channel, the network announced. The project, produced by Lions Gate Television in association with Cage’s Saturn Films, will be Cage’s first foray into television.

Based on a series of novels by Jim Butcher, the pilot, written by Hans Beimler (Profiler) and Robert Wolfe (The 4400, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), tells the story of Harry Dresden, a Chicago-based private detective and the only wizard listed in the city’s yellow pages. Where others see typical crimes of assault, kidnapping and murder, Harry sees otherworldly forces at work. Whether consulting for the police on inexplicable crimes or following his own cases, Dresden does battle with the forces of darkness, always maintaining a wry sense of humor and a unique perspective on our world.

Cage is the latest in a growing list of Hollywood elite to join forces with SCI FI. This December, the Channel will premiere The Triangle, executive-produced by Bryan Singer and Dean Devlin. SCI FI is also currently in development on projects with Steven Spielberg (Nine Lives), Martin Scorsese (The Twelve) and Frank Darabont (The Thing).

Source: SciFi Wire