The American version of Life on Mars may be proceeding without David E. Kelley, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

Kelley adapted the initial script of the BBC series for an American audience, and holds the US rights. A pilot was filmed last summer, with Jason O'Mara as Sam Tyler and Colm Meaney (pictured) as Gene Hunt. However, because of the Writers Guild strike, the project didn't proceed further.

Reports now indicate that October Road creators Josh Appelbaum, Andre Nemec and Scott Rosenberg are negotiating to come on board as executive producers, while ABC Studios in talks with 20th Century Fox TV to join as a co-producer.

The Hollywood Reporter notes that "Kelley is reevaluating his involvement in the project as it goes forward", although no deals can be made without his agreement.