According to Variety, the casting of Dominic Monaghan offers the strongest evidence yet that ABC sees FlashForward as the next Lost.

The Lost alum was officially unveiled as an addition to the cast of the Alphabet's fantasy drama on Friday during the Comic-Con sesh on the show, which has a large ensemble anchored by Joseph Fiennes. Producers didn't offer much in the way of specifics on Monaghan's character, other than to say his name is Simon. He'll join the show early on in its run but does not appear in the pilot.

Monaghan's surprise appearance at the FlashForward sesh was, needless to say, enthusiastically received by the Comic-Con crowd. Monaghan's Lost character, Charlie Pace, died at the end of the show's third season but he remains a fan fave.

Gabrielle Union is also signing on to the show in a recurring role. She'll play a criminal defense attorney who becomes involved romantically with one the core characters.

FlashForward is ABC's biggest drama bet for the fall. Series revolves around the aftermath of a mysterious event when everyone in the world blacks out and is given a glimpse of their future. Others in the ensemble include Courtney B. Vance, John Cho, Jack Davenport and another Lost vet, Sonya Walger.