Back in September, we found out that Fox has acquired the rights from Warner Bros. for Gotham, a TV drama that will focus on the Batman character James Gordon in his early years.

Now, the lead role for Gotham has been cast, with Ben McKenzie from Southland taking the spot, according to Variety.

The 35-year-old actor had a lead role on FOX’s The O.C. from 2003 to 2007, and was a main character on NBC TV’s Southland as the rookie LAPD officer Ben Sherman. McKenzie is already a part of the Batman universe — he provided the voice for Batman/Bruce Wayne in WB’s 2011 animated feature Batman: Year One.

Another superhero-related TV series is on the way, this time from the DC Comics universe. The pilot for Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. premiered tonight, and now, after a bidding war took place, Fox has made a large deal with Warner Brothers TV to acquire the rights to Gotham, a drama series that will focus on Batman character Commissioner Gordon.

The series is a prequel to the Batman story, set years before Gordon ever meets Batman. In fact, the Dark Knight won’t be a part of the show at all (at least not at first—you never know with TV). It follows the origins or Gordon back when he was a detective, and the villains who made Gotham City famous.