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Oscar-winning actor Sean Penn has joined Beau Willimon’s upcoming Channel 4 and Hulu original drama series The First.

Though details about the role remain under wraps, this marks the acclaimed actor’s first foray into television. 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. The story focuses not only on the astronauts, but also on their families and loved ones, as well as the ground team on Earth.

 “I have such deep admiration for Sean’s immense talent and extraordinary body of work,” said Willimon. “I feel very lucky to be collaborating with an artist of his calibre.”

The series will go into production this year and is slated to premiere on Hulu and Channel 4 in 2018.