Perhaps even more so than the leaked casting sheet, the news that the role of Captain Jackson Archer could be filled by Scott Bakula has had fandom tremendously excited. It looks like fandom may now truly have cause to get excited, as according to the Canadian TV Guide, Bakula has actually signed on for the role.

On page 34 of the April 7 - April 13 issue of the magazine, the 'Update' column by Greg David has a short blurb about Bakula, under the 'SIGNED' subheading. "Scott Bakula (Quantum Leap) will be at the helm of the upcoming Star Trek TV series," is all the blurb says, with no further info or photos included, and no source credited.

Of course, it could be that TV Guide is simply repeating the rumours that appeared on the internet two weeks ago - with magazine lead times, that would certainly be a possibility. However, this is the first time that it has been stated anywhere that Bakula actually signed on for the series, as the original reports merely said Bakula was negotiating for the role.

Meanwhile, Project Quantum Leap has posted a bit more news about Scott Bakula. The site recently spoke with its contact in Hollywood, who did not confirm or deny the rumours that Bakula was in talks for Series V.

The site was able to confirm another upcoming project for the actor. Bakula will star in a movie for the Showtime cable network, with his Bakula Productions company producing and Lee Rose directing. No information is yet available about plot or casting.

46-year old Bakula still has a large fanbase from his role as Doctor Sam Beckett on the 'Quantum Leap' time-travel series, a role that landed him four Emmy nominations, a Golden Globe award and no less than four consecutive Viewers for Quality Television Awards. He has had roles on series such as 'Murphy Brown', 'Mr. & Mrs. Smith' and 'Invaders'. Most recently, he appeared in films such as 'American Beauty' and 'Luminarias', which also starred Robert Beltran (Chakotay).

Thanks go out to John A.D. Holt and Theodore Jay Miller for the TV Guide quote, while thanks go out again to the Internet Movie Database for the above photo! As usual, please do keep in mind that Paramount has not yet officially announced any casting info for the next series, and until then, any such info from unofficial sources should be treated as you would any rumour.

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