ABC pilot casts Jason O'Mara in lead role

ABC is determined to make Jason O'Mara into a TV detective.

O'Mara, who starred in the network's Philip Marlowe pilot earlier this year, has now landed the lead role in "Life on Mars," David E. Kelley's adaptation of the BBC series about a cop who wakes up 30-some years in the past. His casting allows the pilot, which had been put on hold while Kelley and Co. searched for a lead, to move forward again.

"This is a complicated character with many colors. After an exhaustive search, we're thrilled to have cast Jason O'Mara," Kelley says in a statement. "He's a tremendous talent, and we are confident that he will live up to the potential of the character and of the series."

"Life on Mars" centers on Sam Tyler, a present-day detective who, following a serious car accident, wakes up to find himself in the early 1970s. He's not sure if he's actually gone back in time, is in a coma or just crazy, but in working cases in the earlier time period he gets clues to his present-day state.

The first season of the British series aired on BBC America last summer; the cable channel hasn't set a date for the second season yet.

ABC's pilot, written by Kelley and directed by Thomas Schlamme ("Studio 60," "The West Wing") was originally considered for the fall. After having difficulty finding someone to play Tyler, however, the producers and ABC pushed the project to midseason. It's now scheduled to go into production in August for possible midseason consideration. Rachelle Lefevre ("What About Brian"), who was initially cast as the only female detective in the 1970s department, remains attached to the show.

O'Mara became available for "Life on Mars" after ABC passed on "Marlowe," a pilot updating Raymond Chandler's iconic detective, this spring. He's also had a recurring role on ABC's "Men in Trees" and starred in the short-lived "In Justice" during the 2005-06 season. His credits also include "The Agency" and "Band of Brothers."