Zachary Quinto cast in provocative NBC drama

Zachary Quinto is returning to NBC. The Heroes and Star Trek actor has signed on to star in NBC’s provocative mini-series The Slap.

The show is billed as complex family drama about what happens after a man slaps another couple’s misbehaving child. Quinto has signed on as Harry, the slapper. From the official description: “Married, with a 15-year-old son, he is a mechanic/dealer specializing in expensive European automobiles, and lives with his family in a Brooklyn loft. Perennially angry but seemingly pleased with his life, Harry is a staunch believer in family and loyalty and never shies from picking a fight. However, Harry picks on the wrong guy when he slaps the horribly misbehaving child of another couple.”

Also joining the cast: Emmy winner Brian Cox (Nuremberg) as the “peacemaker in the family, quick to defray any tension. He’s a strong man with old world values, good-hearted and clearly devoted to his family.”

Both join previously announced cast members Peter Sarsgaard and Mary-Louise Parker. The eight-episode miniseries is based on an acclaimed 2001 Australian project and is written by Jon Robin Baitz (The West Wing). No air date has been set.