Golden Globe Award-winning actor Scott Bakula has signed on to star as Captain Jonathan Archer in the new Paramount Network Television drama series Enterprise. In addition, Bakula has extended his first-look development deal with the studio, announced Garry Hart, president of the Network Television Division of the Paramount Television Group.

In the fifth installment of the landmark Star Trek franchise, Bakula will portray Captain Jonathan Archer, a physical and intensely curious captain with a bold personality. Although he has a strong sense of duty, he is a bit of a renegade and is not afraid to question or even disobey them if he feels in his gut that he is right.

"Obviously, I love the genre and am a long-time fan of Star Trek. I am also thrilled to be working on a TV series again wtih Kerry McCluggage and Garry Hart, a relationship that dates back to 1988 with Quantum Leap," says Bakula.

Under his newly extended deal with Paramount Network Television, Bakula, along with partner Tom Spiroff, will continue to develop projects that will encompass series, telefilms, features and specials.

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

The accomplished actor, who appeared in the 1999 Oscar-winning Best Picture "American Beauty," recently concluded filming the New Line Cinema feature film "Life As a House," directed and co-produced by Academy Award-winner Irwin Winkler.

Bakula is best known for his five-year stint on the innovative drama series Quantum Leap for which he earned a Golden Globe Award in addition to four consecutive Emmy nominations and three more Golden Globe Award nominations.

More news on the rest of the cast will be announced soon.

Please note: All production information is subject to change.