'THE WIRE'S' OMAR BACK ON HBO: Michael Kenneth Williams cast in Scorsese-directed pilot.

       Written by Terence Winter, "Empire" chronicles the early 20th century origins of Atlantic City and revolves around Nucky Johnson (Steve Buscemi), who runs a liquor-distribution ring, and Jimmy Darmody (Michael Pitt), his ruthless flunky, according to the Hollywood Reporter.      

       Williams will play Chalky White, the de facto mayor of Chickenbone Beach, Atlantic City's black section. He's an intelligent ex-boxer and confidant of Nucky's who rules his community with an iron fist.      

       Dabney Coleman and Paz de la Huerta have also joined the cast. De la Huerta, will play Lucy, Nucky's girlfriend, a party girl. Coleman will play Commodore Kaestner, Nucky's predecessor and mentor.      

       Production on "Boardwalk" started Tuesday on the East Coast.