Sean Penn to star in sci-fi series 'The First'

Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Double Oscar-winner Sean Penn has signed up for his first regular television role.

He will lead the cast of creator and executive producer Beau Willimon's upcoming Hulu drama series The First, but the streaming service isn't divulging any details about Penn's character or storyline.

"Set in the near future, The First will follow the first human mission to Mars exploring the challenges of taking the first steps toward interplanetary colonization," a press release explained. "The story focuses not only on the astronauts, but also on their families and loved ones, as well as the ground team on Earth."

The show, which will air on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom and Ireland as well, is to go into production this year and is scheduled to debut in 2018.

"I have such deep admiration for Sean's immense talent and extraordinary body of work," said Willimon in a statement Wednesday. "I feel very lucky to be collaborating with an artist of his caliber."   Penn's credits include Milk, Dead Man Walking, Sweet and Lowdown, I Am Sam and Mystic River.