Like its 1960s counterpart Star Trek, the original Lost in Space series flourished more in syndication than it did in its original three seasons. While it didn't achieve the long-term popularity of the Trek universe, and with an unfairly maligned movie reboot in the '90s failing to rekindle interest, the sci-fi series created by "Master of Disaster" Irwin Allen (The Poseidon Adventure, The Towering Inferno) still remains a memorable part of pop culture.

The tale of a space-traveling family, stranded on a far-off alien world with a traitor and a tampered-with robot, still holds plenty of promise for a modern-day reboot which Netflix plans to release as a 10-episode season in 2018. Three main roles were announced in September, with Molly Parker (Goliath, House of Cards) cast as Dr. Maureen Robinson, Toby Stephens (Black Sails) as Professor John Robinson, and actress Taylor Russell (Falling Skies) as their eldest daughter, Judy.

The new Lost in Space includes a gender-swap from the original series, with Parker Posey cast as the saboteur of the Robinson family's ill-fated space journey, Dr. Smith. Now Deadline reports that another crucial role has gone to Bones actor Ignacio Serricchio, who has been cast as pilot Don West.

Originally portrayed as both a scientist and military officer, the new West is described as "a roughneck smuggling luxury goods on the side who finds in the Robinsons the family he never thought he would find." Adding a criminal side to Judy's potential love interest is likely one of many changes that Netflix will bring to the reboot.

Serricchio has a varied resume, including stints on soaps (The Bay, General Hospital, The Young and the Restless) and guest spots on popular TV series (Scorpion, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, Covert Affairs.) He recently appeared on the big screen in Kevin Hart vehicle The Wedding Ringer, and on the small screen in Brandy's new series Zoe Ever After.

If this Lost in Space revival is successful, it could be a significant step up in Serricchio's career. While the casting choices seem promising so far, a lot will depend on the writing and special effects to make this modern take on the vintage series compelling for a new audience. Whatever the result, Serricchio can take heart that Matt LeBlanc's less-than-successful turn at being Don West (in 1998's Lost in Space) didn't prevent him from future projects that earned him Emmy nominations and a Golden Globe win.

Lost In Space is slated to premiere on Netflix in 2018.

Source: Deadline