Billy Campbell (“The Rocketeer,” “Once And Again,” “The 4400,” “The Killing”) has been cast as a lead in Syfy’s “Helix,” a new sci-fi series to be overseen by “Battlestar Galactica" overseer Ronald D. Moore.
“Helix” is one of two Moore TV projects recently given series orders (the other being Starz’ 16-episode time-travel saga “Outlander”).
The “Helix” pilot, scripted by someone named Cameron Porsandeh, follows a team of scientists at an Arctic research facility who find themselves trying to protect the world from annihilation.
(In 2009 Moore completed an early draft of what evolved into 2011’s “The Thing,” about a team of scientists at an Antarctic research facility who find themselves trying to protect the world from annihilation.)
In “Helix” Campbell will play Center For Disease Control pathologist Dr. Alan Farragut, whose estranged brother has contracted a deadly virus.
Moore, who got his start writing episodes of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” went to serve as showrunner on HBO’s “Carnivale” before he masterminded Sci-Fi’s 2003-2009 “Galactica” reboot. He also co-wrote the acclaimed feature “Star Trek: First Contact” and helped script George Lucas’ proposed live-action “Star Wars” TV series.
“Helix” starts shooting in less than two weeks. Syfy expects to start airing it in January.
Find all of Deadline’s exclusive on the Campbell casting here.
