Though the pilot for the potential FX drama series Tyrant was dealt a blow when Ang Lee backed out of the director’s chair over understandable concerns that he was too exhausted following the production, release, and awards run of Life of Pi, another exciting filmmaker has stepped in as his replacement. THR reports that David Yates, who helmed the last four Harry Potter films to great success, has stepped in to direct the pilot for Tyrant. Developed by Homeland showrunner/executive producer Howard Gordon, Tyrant centers on an unassuming American family drawn into the workings of a turbulent Middle East nation.