Australian actress Anna Torv is to take the lead role in JJ Abrams' new sci-fi drama Fringe.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Torv is the filmmaker's latest female discovery, following in the footsteps of Keri Russell (Felicity), Jennifer Garner (Alias) and Evangeline Lilly (Lost).

The Fox show, written by Abrams, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, will also star Blair Brown and Jasika Nicole.

Torv will play Olivia Warren, a young FBI agent working with institutionalised scientist Dr. Walter Bishop (John Noble) to tackle paranormal phenomena.

Filming for the two-hour pilot will begin in Toronto next month. Fox has not yet announced when it will air.