Los Angeles, Sep 21 (PTI) "Avengers: Infinity War" star Chris Evans has signed on to play the lead in Apple miniseries "Defending Jacob".

The thriller series, to be directed by "The Imitation Game" helmer Morten Tyldum, is based on the novel of the same name by William Landay, reported Variety.

The 37-year-old actor will play Andy Barber, a district attorney who finds that his teenage son is a suspect in the case of a murdered 14-year-old boy he is investigating.

This is Evans' first major television role since 2000's "The Opposite of Sex" miniseries.

Mark Bomback, the scribe of "War for the Planet of the Apes", has created and written the eight-episode series. He will also executive produce and serve as the showrunner.

Evans will also executive produce the show alongside Tyldum.

The actor, best known for playing fan favourite superhero Captain America in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, recently starred on Broadway to critical acclaim in "Lobby Hero".

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