Every now and again I ask myself, "Hey, what's going on with Eric Roberts these days?" And sometimes-although far too frequently for my liking-I am made aware! He's starring in the Roger Corman telepic "Sharktopus" for Syfy.

The cable network announced the casting Thursday. Roberts will play a research scientist who, along with his daughter, develops a secret military weapon: A hybrid shark/octopus that can be controlled by electrical implants.

"But when the controls break down, the monster goes on a killing rampage at the resort beaches of Mexico," Syfy promises.