Karl Urban has won a starring role in a new TV cop drama helmed by Hollywood heavyweight JJ Abrams.
The Kiwi actor, who plays Bones in Abrams' Star Trek movies, has landed the lead in the high concept futuristic drama Human, The Hollywood Reporter reports.
His character is thought to be a cop who was left closed off and traumatised by a past mission that left nine of his comrades dead and him critically wounded.
When he returns to the force, he is partnered with a humanlike android played by Michael Ealy, who ironically understands humanity better than he does.
Human is to be produced by Abrams and J.H Wyman.
Lili Taylor (Ransom), Minka Kelly (Friday Night Lights), Mackenzie Crook and Michael Irby are also thought to be signed on to the show.
Urban has appeared before on UK programmes Riding High and Amazon High but has never had a regular role on US TV.
His film credits include a starring role in last year's Judge Dredd, and roles in Star Trek, The Bourne Supremacy The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers and Return of the King.
He is also set to appear in the upcoming blockbuster Riddick.
- nzherald.co.nz