Benjamin McKenzie, who played Ryan Atwood on “The O.C.” for four seasons, may soon be walking the police beat.

The 29-year-old actor is in early talks to join the NBC pilot “LAPD,” according to The Hollywood Reporter.

His would-be role is as yet unspecified, but the ensemble drama from John Wells Prods. and Warner Bros. TV revolves around the life and work of a group of police officers in L.A.

Three actors have already signed on to play detectives. Regina King (“24″) will play Lydia, a smart, sympathetic detective in the Hollywood division, Kevin Alejandro (“Shark”) will play family man Nate and Michael McGrady will play Sal, a detective who works gang crimes and worries about his family’s well-being.

“ER” veteran Chris Chulack will direct the pilot, which was written by Ann Biderman (“Primal Fear,” “NYPD Blue”).

Since “The O.C.” ended in 2007, McKenzie has appeared in such films as “Junebug” and “88 Minutes.” He most recently starred in the indie filmed stage play “Johnny Got His Gun,” which will have its world premiere Sept. 22 in Texas.






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