Former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura has agreed to star in the pilot for a new series that explores conspiracy theories, truTV announced.

Production of the pilot is scheduled to begin next month.

The project comes to truTV from A. Smith & Co. Productions.

Ventura will travel across the country, investigating cases and getting input from believers and skeptics to make a final determination about a theory's validity, the network said in a news release. Ventura embodies truTV's promise to bring viewers real-life, high-stakes action and fascinating characters.

Ventura was a U.S. Navy frogman/SEAL; a famous professional wrestler; mayor of Brooklyn Park, Minn., and governor of Minnesota. All the while, Ventura maintained his reputation as a rebel and free-thinker.

I've been a mayor; I've been a governor. Now, I get to be a detective, and seek the truth, Ventura said in a statement.

We are thrilled to be working with Jesse Ventura and with our production partners at A. Smith & Co., said Marc Juris, executive vice president and general manager at truTV. Jesse is a savvy, high-energy and highly intellectual person. Above all, he's someone who is as real as they come. (c) UPI