HBO says the two-time Oscar winner will star in the pilot of "Luck," a prospective drama series from producer David Milch.
Hoffman would portray a career criminal heavily involved in gambling. Hoffman is 72 years old, but has never been a regular in series television. He did win an Emmy in 1986 for his performance in a TV version of the play "Death of a Salesman."
Dennis Farina, who previously starred on "Law & Order," is also in the cast.
"Luck" would be Milch's third series created for HBO. His past credits include "Deadwood" and "John from Cincinnati," as well as "NYPD Blue" on ABC.
