Jason O’Mara (“Band of Brothers”) has been tapped by David E. Kelley to star in the ABC adaptation of British hit “Life on Mars,” reports Variety.
O’Mara will play Sam Tyler, a detective who is suddenly transported to the 1970s — where he encounters a serial killer who may have something to do with the present-day abduction of his girlfriend.
“This is a complicated character with many colors,” said Kelley, whose David E. Kelley Productions is behind the pilot along with 20th Century Fox TV. “After an exhaustive search, we’re thrilled to have cast Jason O’Mara. He is a tremendous talent.”
O’Mara most recently starred as Philip Marlowe in the ABC pilot “Marlowe.” The project wasn’t picked up to series, but the actor impressed the network.
O’Mara will star opposite Rachelle Lefevre, who has already been cast as the female lead.
“Life on Mars” will start production on August 14 and will be ready for midseason consideration. Kelley wrote the pilot script; he’s also executive producing with Schlamme, Stephen Garrett and Jane Featherstone.
