Eureka, Caprica add cast members

Two SciFi original series have expanded their casts.

Eric Stoltz has joined the cast of the upcoming Galactica prequel Caprica as Daniel Graystone according to SciFi Wire. Graystone is a wealthy computer engineer who, after an emotionally crippling family tragedy, uses his technological wizardry to forever change the future of Caprica.

Also joining the cast is Alessandra Toressani as Daniel’s daughter, Zoe.

In Eureka casting news, Francis Fisher has signed on for a recurring role in the upcoming third season. Fisher will play Samantha Thorne, aka “the Fixer,” a corporate titan who is brought in to clean up Global Dynamics.

The new season of Eureka begins July 29th.

---

Peter Fonda joins Revolution

Oscar-nominated actor Peter Fonda has signed on for the upcoming SciFi Channel pilot Revolution according to SciFi Wire. Fonda will play the patriarch grandfather of a family colonizing a new world.

“Peter is going to be playing the role of Lawrence Fortis, who is the patriarch grandfather of the clan,” SciFi’s vice president of original programming Mark Stern said.

Fonda joins a cast that includes Billy Campbell, David Smith, Steve Sandvoss, Brooklyn Sudano and Rowena King. Revolution is created and written by Ed Redlich (Shark, Without a Trace) and John Bellucci (Jack and Bobby, Without a Trace), who will both serve as executive producers, along with executive producer Simon West (Lara Croft, Tomb Raider) and co-executive producer Jib Polhemus for Simon West Productions. The pilot is from CBS Paramount Network Television.

---

FOX genre-show news

FOX has picked up J.J. Abram’s new genre series Fringe according to the Hollywood Reporter for broadcast in the fall. In addition, FOX has given the green light to Joss Whedon’s Dollhouse as a mid-season replacement series. The network has also added Virtuality to its mid-season line-up card.

Unfortunately, we have to pass along some negative news for fans–New Amsterdam won’t see a second season. It was given a pink slip by FOX.

---

Mars is close to pick-up

ABC is close to giving approval for the American version of the popular British series Life on Mars. The series is being eyes for the coveted Thursday night, post-Grey’s Anatomy time slot according to reports in the Hollywood Reporter.

The deal is contingent on getting the blessing and authorization of rights-holder David E. Kelley. As we reported last week, Kelley, who owns the rights to the American version, was looking to leave the Americanized version of the popular series. Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec and Scott Rosenberg would take over executive producers and ABC Studios would be a co-producer with 20th Century TV,