Eddie Cibrian has joined the cast of the NBC pilot Playboy, replacing Jeff Hephner.

We reported earlier this month that Jeff Hephner landed a lead role in the pilot, although it seems the actor didn't work out. It is said that Jeff Hephner wowed producers in the testing phase, but the actor, who had never landed a lead role before, just wasn't a right fit during shooting of the pilot. Now Eddie Cibrian, who was originally a finalist for the part, will step into the role of Nick Dalton, a "fixer" at a prestigious Chicago law firm who is a VIP at the Playboy club.

Laura Benanti, Amber Heard, Naturi Naughton, Jenna Dewan-Tatum, Leah Renee, David Krumholtz, and Wes Ramsey also star in the pilot.

Chad Hodge wrote the pilot episode script, which will be directed by Alan Taylor. Production will start on the pilot on Tuesday in Chicago.