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« Today's News: Our Take

Scoop! Keitel Lands on Mars as Homicide Boss

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Harvey Keitel by Jim Spellman/ WireImage.com

Last week at press tour, the producers of ABC's Life on Mars revealed they were after a "name" to top off their tweaked cast. Well, they got one. Harvey Keitel — an Academy Award nominee for his work in Bugsy and familiar from such films as Reservoir Dogs and (nudity alert!) The Piano — has been tapped to fill the pivotal role of Det. Gene Hunt, the gruff head of the homicide department for which Jason O'Mara's Sam Tyler toils. Hunt, the last major male character to be cast on ABC's port of the BBC series, was played across the pond by Philip Glenister.

Interestingly, exactly a year ago Keitel was being eyeballed to replace Mandy Patinkin on Criminal Minds. Joe Mantegna ultimately was cast instead.

Other announced casting for Life on Mars includes The Sopranos' Michael Imperioli (as Det. Ray Carling) and October Road's Jonathan Murphy (as upstart Det. Chris Skelton).

Life on Mars concerns a modern-day cop (O'Mara) mysteriously transported back to the 1970s. Filming on the series begins Aug. 5, in and around New York City.

What's your take, Mars purists? I know you've got a close eye on this show, so I've been busting my bumbershoot to give you the most news on it. — Matt Mitovich

Related:
• ABC's Life on Mars to Amp Up the Mystery
• Sopranos' Imperioli Gives Life on Mars a Try
• Harvey Keitel Out of Running for Criminal Minds Lead

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Harvey Keitel Life on Mars

Posted by

Matt Webb Mitovich

Jul 24, 2008 4:01 PM

Well, I had been disappointed by Colm Meany's departure, but Harvey Keitel-- that's a big grab. Yeah, I can see Keitel as Gene Hunt. Good choice. With Imperioli and Keitel, this thing's starting to get a strong cast.

Posted by BobbyJoe

Jul 24, 2008 4:18 PM

Wow, good casting.

It will still be hard for me to imagine anyone else as Gene Hunt than Philip Glenister but Kietel should be able to make the character his own.

Looking forward to the show.

Posted by Lester/DryedMangoez

Jul 24, 2008 4:21 PM

Who is playing Annie? Is it still Rachelle Lefevre?

Posted by somethingreal81

Jul 24, 2008 5:23 PM

This is looking better and better. And it's not on CBS, so it stands a chance.

Posted by ctheslayer

Jul 24, 2008 5:32 PM

Well the cast is not complete because they still need to fill the female roles which include Annie Norris, Maya Daniels and Windy.
Annie is an officer with the Police Women's Bureau who is Sam's co-worker and friend.
Maya is Sam's girlfriend from 2008
and Windy is a free-spirit neighbor of Sam's from his apartment complex in the East Village.

But I am thrilled to see Harvey Keitel on board he is a terrific actor. I think this cast get's better and better!

Posted by sprite12

Jul 24, 2008 6:04 PM

I can't see anyone play that role like the great Philip Glenister. I don't know about this. It might work. I'm still not intrestead on seeing this version, I don't know. All this recasting and what not might make me watch at least the first episode.

Posted by ladyofthelake

Jul 24, 2008 6:10 PM

Keitel can definitely pull off Gene Hunt - great casting choice for sure!

Posted by Ranger99

Jul 24, 2008 6:21 PM

I think Keitel is a great actor, but he's incredibly miscast here. He's old enough to be Glenister's father IRL. He's 69 years old, for god's sake! I'm sorry, but Gene Hunt needs to be 20 years younger and full of piss and vinegar...not using AARP cards to get discounts and dining at Old Country Buffet.

And according to many who have seen the first pilot, they KEPT the only actor they should have let go -- Jason O'Mara is not a vulnerable Sam like Simm was.

I think I'm just going to skip this and wait for the DVDs of the UK version.

Posted by olucy

Jul 24, 2008 8:06 PM

I certainly didn't see this one coming! This is a major coup! If any American actor has the presence to play Gene Hunt, Keitel definitely tops the list! I can't believe they got the bloody Wolf!

Posted by Psychotronic

Jul 24, 2008 9:09 PM

As a Life On Mars "purist," fan of the ORIGINAL I'm still gagging at this American take on the show.

I'm sad to see that Colm Meaney won't be in it. But, I am a fan of Harvey Keitel. And I can see him as the Gene Genie. If he does it right. And that's a BIG if.

What is Life On Mars without John Simm and Phillip Glenister?

*SIGH*

As a fan of the original, I'm really curious to see how naive American viewers (unfamiliar to the British version) take to the show. I MAY tune in, just to see how disasterous it is as an adaptation. :P BLAH.

Posted by QueenMad

Jul 24, 2008 10:31 PM

I am with you QueenMad.

I just hate the idea of this transition to a U.S. version. I will sample, but due to my love of the original, my expectations (and demands) are very high.

Posted by achyfakey

Jul 25, 2008 12:00 AM

hey I'm still hoping Journeyman will return. IMO ABC should have picked up Journeyman from NBC it had a a strong fan following if not huge ratings. they've even cast kevin McKidd on Grey's so obviously they feel he is a "draw". Why not take an already established time travel show and give it another shot?

Posted by Dee Bee

Jul 25, 2008 9:43 AM

Harvey Keitel is an intriguing choice, but this casting revolving door is making me really nervous. The BBC version was as close to perfection as it gets and these studio heads keep messing with the American version. I just hope they don't mess it up!

Posted by mswain28

Jul 25, 2008 10:27 AM

I MAY tune in, just to see how disasterous it is as an adaptation

Don't bother QueenMad and acheyfakey! I loved the original too, but it was far from perfect. It moved a bit too slow for my tastes and I hated the way it ended. To me, there was a lot of room for improvement, and I am very anxious to see the American version. I sure don't need you guys to watch just to tell me why you think that it is a bad show!

Posted by Ranger99

Jul 25, 2008 11:33 AM

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