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Melissa Leo is bound for the Big Easy, joining the cast of David Simon's HBO pilot "Treme."

Leo will play a civil rights lawyer in the ensemble drama that chronicles the post-Katrina rebuilding of New Orleans through the eyes of local musicians. Pilot from the co-creator/exec producer of "The Wire" is skedded to shoot later this month in New Orleans.

Leo earned an Oscar nom this year for her starring role in the indie "Frozen River." Thesp is currently in Ann Arbor, Mich., lensing the indie "Betty Anne Waters" alongside Hilary Swank, Minnie Driver and Sam Rockwell for helmer Tony Goldwyn (Daily Variety, Feb. 25).

"Treme's" cast features a number of "Wire" alums, including Clarke Peters and Wendell Pierce, in key roles. Pilot was penned by Simon and Eric Overmyer and will be directed by Agnieszka Holland.