Samuel Barnett to play title role in 'Dirk Gently' series

NEW YORK, March 30 (UPI) -- The History Boys alum Samuel Barnett is to play the title role in the comedic-thriller series Dirk Gently, BBC America has confirmed.

Co-starring Elijah Wood, the eight-part, Max Landis-penned detective program is to premiere on the cable-television network this fall.

Robert Cooper, whose credits include Stargate Atlantis and Stargate Universe, has been named showrunner. Director Dean Parisot has signed on to helm the first two episodes of the series, which is based on Douglas Adams' popular books.

"Dirk Gently's characters are complete originals," Sarah Barnett, president and general manager of BBC America, said in a statement Tuesday. "Sam Barnett and Elijah Wood -- who represent genius talent from both sides of the Atlantic -- will brilliantly play these unique roles. Plus, with Robert Cooper and Dean Parisot joining Max Landis, the Dirk Gently creative team is now tremendously interconnected through great experience and thrilling vision."