Every time I see or hear about Sam Neill, I can't help but think about "Jurassic Park" and his role as Dr. Alan Grant. Well that's all about to change as Mr. Neill has scored a major gig to go explore another famous island by another creative genius.

Deadline's Nellie Andreeva has announced that Mr. Neill is the latest actor to join 'Alcatraz', J.J. Abrams' new pilot for FOX, which is in contention for a slot on FOX's 2011-2012 Fall Schedule, which we would be surprised if it didn't given the excellent plot and cast being round up.

"Alcatraz" will follow a team of FBI agents and Alcatraz experts who are assembled after a group of prisoners and guards from the infamous prison reappear in present day after disappearing without a trace a long time ago. The special team is then tasked to track each individual down for answers to the phenomenon.

Neill will portray Emerson Hauser, who Deadline labels "the head of a government agency who radiates authority and piercing intelligence." Sounds a bit Widmore/Sark-ish to me... Neill joins Sarah Jones, Jonny Coyne, Jason Butler Hartner, and everyone's favorite LOST alum Jorge Garcia, who will be the Alcatraz expert of the group.

As the cast builds up, "Alactraz" will undoubtedly be one of the most talked about new shows during pilot season. If it makes it to series, then it should serve as a perfect companion show with J.J. Abrams' other FOX sci-fi drama Fringe, which is currently in its third season.

What do you think about this new casting choice? Will  Sam Neill make a perfect J.J. Abrams male lead?

Source: Deadline