Bill Pullman Becomes 'Torchwood's' Most Wanted

/Home/Science Fiction and Fantasy Television

Bill Pullman Becomes 'Torchwood's' Most Wanted
December 20, 2010
by ALAN STANLEY BLAIR
Airlock Alpha

When it comes to science-fiction, the name Bill Pullman instantly conjures up images of Indiana Jones flying a space-caravan in “Spaceballs,” or the president from a fallen nation rallying the troops in “Independence Day.”

Soon though, he will take on another science-fiction role … and he’ll go head-to-head with Capt. Jack Harkness.

Pullman has been cast as a diabolical killer in “Torchwood: The New World,” which is being produced by the BBC in partnership with Starz in the United States. He will play Oswald Jones, a character that has been described as “a dangerously clever convicted murderer who escapes his lifelong prison sentence on a technicality and quickly becomes a media sensation.”

Executive Producer Russell T. Davies already confirmed that the new season will showcase the best of talent from the United States as well as the United Kingdom, meaning that more American-based casting announcements are to be expected.

Among recent announcements, Mekhi Phifer has been confirmed as taking on the much sought-after role of CIA agent Rex Matheson, who has been described as something of a comedic action man role. The actor has a wealth of experience behind him, including roles in “ER” and “Lie To Me.”

Phifer was up against some tough competition to land the role, with reports suggesting that former “Dollhouse” star Enver Gjokai and “One Tree Hill’s” Chad Michael Murray both trying out for the part.

Both Phifer and Pullman are expected to be regulars in the new season, which begins shooting early in 2011. Meanwhile, Arlene Tur has also been confirmed to be joining the series in a recurring role as a surgeon named Vera Juarez.

Joining John Barrowman from the original BBC series is Eve Myles.