Sci-Fi Wire

11th May 2001

Bakula Confirmed For Enterprise 

Paramount confirmed the rumored casting of Scott Bakula as Capt. Jonathan Archer in its upcoming fifth Star Trek series, now officially called Enterprise. The May 10 announcement described Bakula's character as "a physical and intensely curious captain with a bold personality" who has a strong sense of duty but is also a bit of a renegade.

The announcement is the first official confirmation of the highly anticipated show's name and casting, which have been the subject of weeks of rumors. "Obviously, I love the genre and am a long-time fan of Star Trek," Bakula said in a statement. "I am also thrilled to be working on a TV series again with Kerry McCluggage and Garry Hart, a relationship that dates back to 1988 with Quantum Leap." Bakula is best known to SF fans for his five seasons as Sam Beckett on Quantum Leap, for which he earned a Golden Globe and four Emmy nominations, Paramount announced.

"We couldn't be happier," Enterprise co-creator and executive producer Rick Berman said in a statement. "Scott personifies the charm and intelligence that the role calls for."

Other Enterprise cast members include Jolene Blalock, John Billingsley, Linda Park, Anthony Montgomery, Dominic Keating and Connor Trinneer, the Hollywood trade papers reported.

No announcement has been made about the network on which Enterprise will run, but UPN is expected to add it to its fall schedule.