The Hollywood Reporter says that Phillips will play the role of Colonel Telford, a military man who is chosen to lead an ill-fated expedition.

The cast of the new series will also include Ming-Na, Elyse Levesque, Alaina Huffman, Robert Carlyle, Justin Louis, David Blue, Jamil Walker Smith and Brian J. Smith. The MGM TV-produced series began filming in Vancouver last week.

"SGU," according to the industry paper, "follows a band of soldiers, scientists and civilians who must fend for themselves after they are forced through a Stargate when their hidden base is attacked. The survivors, led by Dr. Nicholas Rush (Carlyle), emerge aboard an ancient ship, which is locked on an unknown course and unable to return to Earth."

The series is currently scheduled to premiere in October. The two-part debut will be directed by Andy Mikita.

Lou Diamond Phillips' film credits include "La Bamba," "Stand and Deliver," "Young Guns," "Young Guns II" and "Courage Under Fire."