Oscar-nominated actor joins ABC series

The reworked "Life on Mars" has landed a highly recognizable face for one of its central roles: Harvey Keitel

The "Reservoir Dogs" star and "Bugsy" Oscar nominee has signed on to ABC's version of the British hit about present-day cop Sam Tyler (Jason O'Mara), who's transported back to 1973 after being hit by a car. Keitel will play Detective Gene Hunt, Sam's boss in the 1970s version of the NYPD, according to several news reports.

"Life on Mars" will be the first regular TV role in Keitel's decades-long career. His last TV appearance came in the controversial ABC telefilm "The Path to 9/11" in 2006.

Keitel is replacing Colm Meaney, who played the part in the original pilot (Philip Glenister played Hunt in the BBC series). Aside from O'Mara, very little from the first pilot, which was written by David E. Kelley, is remaining. Showrunners Andre Nemec and Josh Appelbaum have moved the show's setting from Los Angeles to New York (filming will also take place in the Big Apple), and most of the parts are being recast too.

Former "Sopranos" star Michael Imperioli will also be part of the show, playing another of Sam's new colleagues.

Keitel's credits also include "Pulp Fiction," "Bad Lieutenant," "National Treasure" and "The Piano."