New J.J. Abrams TV project in the works

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- "Lost" and "Alias" mastermind J.J. Abrams has helped pen the script for a new $10 million U.S. television pilot for Fox, Variety.com reported Friday.

The network that gave viewers "The X-Files" plans to air the new paranormal mystery series called, "Fringe."

"So much of the story is relatable people in extraordinary situations," Abrams told the trade paper. "The show is definitely a nod to 'Altered States' and 'Scanners' and that whole Michael Crichton/Robin Cook world of medicine and science."

Threaded through the show will be a distinct mythology, as well as a healthy dose of humor.

"It does the stuff my favorite TV shows and movies do, which is to combine genres that shouldn't fit together," Abrams said. "It's definitely meant to scare the hell out of you, but it's also meant to make you laugh... It pushes all the buttons of things we loved from our childhood."

The script for the two-hour pilot was written by Abrams, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci, the team behind the upcoming "Star Trek" feature film.

A search has begun for a director for the pilot, as well as a series showrunner, Variety.com said.