Michael Rapaport will play hooky from his feature-film career to join the cast of David E. Kelley's school drama "Boston Public."

The Hollywood Reporter said Rapaport, best known for his work in such films as "Beautiful Girls," "Mighty Aphrodite," "The 6th Day" and "Bamboozled," will play a teacher with controversial methods.

He replaces Jason Catalano, who was earlier cast for a four-episode stint on the show, but The Hollywood Reporter said Rapaport's work may now be expanded to a full 13-episode stretch.

Rapaport previously guest-starred on several episodes of "Friends."