Smash alum Jack Davenport is set to topline Prototype, Syfy’s sci-fi thriller drama pilot written by Tony Basgallop (24: Live Another Day). It centers on three unlikely cohorts who inadvertently stumble upon an invention that challenges the very nature of quantum physics – a discovery which in turn puts their lives in grave danger.

Davenport will play the now aging playboy and former Silicon Valley wunderkind, Edward “Eddy” Conway, who has retreated from the tech world to return to UCLA as a physics professor. Eddy’s lack of self-control, be it with coeds or sports cars, has made him familiar with some unsavory characters, but his latest project might prove to be his most dangerous endeavor to date.

Oscar nominee Juan Carlos Fresnadillo (Esposados) will direct the pilot and executive produce with Basgallo and Escape Artists Productions (Southpaw). Taylor Latham (Freeheld) will be co-executive producer.

Brit Davenport can be seen later this year co-starring alongside Rosamund Pike and David Oyelowo in the indie A United Kingdom. He is repped by Gersh, Sanders Armstrong and UK’s Hamilton Hodell.