Stephen Lang, "Terra Nova"

Where you've seen him: The veteran stage and screen performer can currently be seen playing the villain in "Conan the Barbarian," but he's perhaps best known for another bad guy: Col. Miles Quaritch in "Avatar." Prior to that blockbuster, Lang had spent more than 30 years in the business; highlights include the stage and TV productions of "Death of a Salesman" opposite Dustin Hoffman and the films "Gettysburg" and "Tombstone." Says Lang, "I wouldn't say 'Avatar' changed my life, but it definitely changed my career."

Now playing: Lang stars in the highly anticipated Fox series "Terra Nova," from producer Steven Spielberg, in which people facing extinction in 2149 travel back in time to live on prehistoric Earth. Lang plays Cmdr. Nathaniel Taylor, the leader of the new settlement. Though the actor wasn't necessarily looking to join a TV series, he says, "When Steven Spielberg comes calling, it behooves you to seriously consider it." Though the series is wildly ambitious, Lang embraces the stakes. "I know a lot of resources are being put into this show, and there's a lot on the line," he says. "Having been involved with 'Avatar,' it kind of gives you a taste for rolling the dice with plenty at stake. So I guess it's the high roller in me that wanted to be part of this."

An actor's life: Lang's other notable work includes writing and starring in the solo show "Beyond Glory," in which he portrayed eight Medal of Honor recipients, and originating the role of Col. Nathan Jessep in Aaron Sorkin's play "A Few Good Men." When it was made into a movie, Jessep was played by Jack Nicholson, but Lang insists there are no hard feelings. "I mean, if you're going to lose a role to somebody, he's the guy to lose a role to," he says. "I've got no problem with that." If he hadn't become an actor, Lang notes, a life of service might have been for him: "I guess I could have joined the military, since I'm good at taking direction." It's appropriate, considering that in recent years, Lang has become the go-to guy for military men and authority types. "I always figured it was because I have good posture. And I think the voice helps. It's the voice, the posture, and if you can master the steely-eyed look, you're set."

Coming attractions: As for rumors that Lang will return to the world of "Avatar" in upcoming movies, he professes to be in the dark. "Everything is in the hands of the creator, and by 'creator' I mean Jim Cameron," he says with a laugh. "I loved being part of that world. I can't imagine a more profoundly exciting experience than I had working on 'Avatar.' And whether I'm ever part of it again, I'll always be very proud that I was a part of it."