The "Romeo & Juliet" TV pilot from Shonda Rhimes’ Shondaland shingle has cast its female lead – British actress Lashana Lynch.

Written by Heather Mitchell, and based on the book by Melinda Taub, the "Romeo & Juliet" sequel is titled "Still Star-Crossed" is set in 16th century Verona, picking up where Shakespeare’s original work ended. It chronicles the treachery, palace intrigue and ill-fated romances of the Montagues and Capulets in the wake of the young lovers’ tragic fate.

The story centers on Rosaline (Lynch), described as a beautiful, intelligent and headstrong Capulet and Juliet’s cousin. Following the death of her parents, Rosaline is taken in by her aunt and uncle, Juliet’s parents Lady and Lord Capulet, and forced to work as a servant. She does her best to tolerate her aunt’s cruelty, and focuses on finding a way to free herself of the humiliation. She is eventually ordered to marry Benvolio (male lead Wade Briggs), a Montague.

Lynch, who got her break in the 2012 Noel Clarke feature film "Fast Girls," also played the tile character in "Educating Rita" on stage in the UK, for which she received much acclaim.

Should "Still Star-Crossed" be ordered to series, it’ll mark her American TV premiere.