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‘National Parks’: Kevin Costner’s New Series Adds Former ‘Scandal’ Actor to Pilot

United We Fall and Scandal alum Guillermo Diaz will return to ABC as a series regular for Costner’s new passion project, National Parks.

In a Deadline exclusive, the trade is announcing National Park‘s casting of Guillermo Diaz for ABC’s hotly-anticipated show. Diaz will star as a series regular for Kevin Costner’s pilot, which the Yellowstone star is writing and producing. It’s a milestone for Diaz and the Hollywood icon both, as the series marks Costner’s first foray into television scripting. Through his Territory Pictures Entertainment, Costner will oversee the drama alongside 20th Television, A+E Studios, and syndicating network ABC.

To say Outsider is excited about this park-based drama is an understatement. Diaz joins a stellar cast in bringing the hidden side of park affairs to life. Tiffany Dupont, Billy Campbell, Angel Parker, Gerardo Celasco, Ashleigh Sharpe Chestnut, and Blu Hunt round out the cast alongside.

What’s more, according to Deadline, “Diaz will play Vic, a Special Agent and ISB’s unflappable helicopter pilot and botanist who uses these unique skills to investigate and solve crime inside the national parks.”

Fans of ABC’s smash hit Scandal will know Diaz as Huck, where he starred for 7 seasons. Network viewers have also seen the actor in ABC’s comedy United We Fall. In addition, Diaz snagged guest-starring and recurring roles on I Know This Much Is True, Law & Order: SVU, High Maintenance and Broad City, among other programs.

‘National Parks’ Pegged to be a Sure-Fire Hit for ABC & Kevin Costner

National Parks is co-written by Aaron Helbing and Jon Baird alongside Kevin Costner. The two are frequent collaborators with the icon, and have also co-penned several of his outdoors-centric novels.

The nature-laden drama, focusing on America’s incredible National Parks system, “follows a small group of elite national parks service agents as they solve crimes while protecting the parks — which, while being known for their sweeping, beautiful landscapes, also attract a vast array of criminal activity,” Deadline continues of the plot.

Costner’s deep involvement with the show, however, has Yellowstone fans worried it means the end of his tenure as John Dutton. The inclusion of his own creative partners, coupled with the demands of both writing and producing a major television network drama, points towards Costner’s exit. Season 4 will wrap up filming soon, and the timing is a curious match.

As for whether or not the icon will star in National Parks, there’s been no indication. So far, all major trades point to Costner’s involvement being behind-the-scenes only.

For now, we’re betting Costner is simply looking for a change of pace. And we cannot wait to see what it brings.

For all the latest from National Parks, stick with your fellow Outsiders.