Actor will play an ancestor of William and Lee Adama

Esai Morales' run on "Jericho" may have ended, but he's finding life on another planet.

The actor is the second to join "Caprica," the two-hour pilot and prequel to the Sci Fi Channel's acclaimed series "Battlestar Galactica," according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Set 50 years before "BSG," "Caprica" follows two rival families -- the Greystones and the Adamas -- as they grow, compete, and thrive in the vibrant world of the 12 Colonies. Morales will portray the integrity-laden yet ruthless Joseph Adama, the father of William Adama, the future admiral of Battlestar Galactica.

Paula Malcomson was previously cast as a surgeon who works as a double agent.

The 45-year-old Morales' roles include Major Edward Beck on CBS' "Jericho," Agent Michael Tyner on "Vanished" and Lt. Tony Rodriguez on "NYPD Blue."