Amy Acker joins Whedon's 'Dollhouse'

Former Angel actress Amy Acker will reunite with Joss Whedon on his upcoming project Dollhouse.

Whedon announced Acker's involvement on his website Whedonesque: "I'm shocked that any part of our casting process hasn't been leaked somehow. And though I'm a fan of secrets... Dr. Claire Saunders will be played by... Amy Acker."

The drama is about a group of men and women, known as dolls, who are charged with carrying out a series of "assignments". They can be imprinted with different memories, skills, languages and abilities appropriate to each task.

Acker joins fellow Angel luminary Eliza Dushku in the cast, in addition to Olivia Williams, Harry Lennix, Miracle Laurie and Tahmoh Penikett.

Buffy creator Whedon also hailed the calibre of the show's cast: "All in all, pound for pound, soup to nuts, man vs beast, it's a pretty amazing ensemble. I'm not sure how I landed this troupe, but rest assured I'm gonna write bestest good word for talkacting to them yes! They're in good hands."

Fox is planning a seven-episode season of the show for September.