Stuart Townsend is set to take the title role in the conspiracy thriller series "XIII". The series is based on a graphic novel which has sold 13 million copies since it was first published 25 years ago.

The thriller will span over 13 episodes and will air in France and Canada in 2011. It has failed to be picked up by a United States network so far. It will begin shooting in Toronto this fall.

Townsend will play the role of a former secret agent who cannot remember his past. He sets out to uncover his identity while being hunted by an anti-government organization. The closer he gets to finding his identity the more deadly the mission becomes.

He has previously written and directed the indie movie "Battle in Seattle" which starred Woody Harrelson, Michelle Rodriguez and then-girlfriend Charlize Theron. He has voiced characters on the Adult Swim series "Robot Chicken."