ABC's adaptation of the British series "Life on Mars" will be importing more than its premise from across the pond.

Irish actor Colm Meaney is set to take one of the lead roles in the pilot from "Boston Legal" creator David E. Kelley. He would star opposite his countryman Jason O'Mara in the time-jumping police drama.

Lenny Clarke ("Rescue Me") has also joined the pilot, according to The Hollywood Reporter. The show is up for midseason consideration at ABC.

"Life on Mars" centers on a present-day detective (O'Mara) who, following a car accident, finds himself transported to the early 1970s. Meaney will play the decidedly old-school head of the homicide unit, a role filled by Philip Glenister in the BBC's version of the show.

Clarke will play another cop in the 1970s department. Rachelle Lefevre ("What About Brian") is also on board as the only female detective in the squad.

Meaney has worked with Kelley once before, on the 1999 feature film "Mystery, Alaska." He was a regular on two "Star Trek" series, "The Next Generation" and "Deep Space Nine," and has also made guest appearances on "Moonlighting," "Men in Trees" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent."

His movie credits include "The Commitments," "Layer Cake," "Con Air" and "This Is My Father."