Anil Kapoor roped in for Amazon pilot The Book of Strange New Things

Mumbai: Amazon has cast Bollywood star Anil Kapoor in its pilot "The Book of Strange New Things, an adaptation of Michael Faber's novel.

The 59-year-old "Slumdog Millionaire" actor will play the role of Vikram Danesh, the authoritative head of the base on Oasis.

Based on the cult-hit novel from Faber, the hourlong drama pilot follows a priest who is sent into space to help found a new colony, but what he ends up discovering not only puts his faith to the test but life as we know it.

Matt Charman ('Bridge of Spies') will pen the pilot and executive produce alongside Andy Harries ('Strike Back') and Lila Rawlings of Left Bank Pictures.

Kevin MacDonald ('The Last King of Scotland') will direct. The pilot is a co-production of Amazon Studios and Left Bank Productions.

In addition to being recognized with a SAG award for his role on "Slumdog Millionaire" and serving as president of the fictional Republic of Kamistan on Fox series 24, Kapoor also starred opposite Tom Cruise in 2012's "Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol."

The actor also acquired the remake rights to 24 and made a series in Hindi.