Casting Update for Fall SF Entries

Sam Neill (”The Tudors,” “Merlin,” “Jurassic Park”) fans will be pleased to hear that the Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominated actor has signed on as a cast regular for the new NBC show “Crusoe.” Neill is also joined by newly signed Sean Bean (”LOTR”) and Joss Ackland.

Neill plays Jeremiah Blackthorn, the family friend who helps Robinson Crusoe (Philip Winchester) build a business empire. Bean stars as James, Crusoe’s widower father. Cast also includes Anna Walton (”Hellboy II: The Golden Army,” “The Mutant Chronicles”).

“Crusoe” is expected to be one of NBC’s most expensive new projects with on location shoots throughout South Africa, England and the Seychelles.

Three-time Emmy nominated actress CCH Pounder (”Shield”) has been added to the cast of SCI FI Channel’s new paranormal drama pilot titled “Warehouse 13.” Pounder, who will star with a whole host of big named actors in James Cameron’s upcoming big screen feature “Avatar,” will play Mrs. Fredric for the SCI FI series.

Fredric is the director of a secret government organization. She joins existing castmembers Eddie McClintock, Saul Rubinek and Joanne Kelly.

“Warehouse 13,” one of SCI FI’s most anticipated shows for the 2008-2009 season, follows a pair of FBI agents who must investigate artifacts in a mysterious South Dakota facility modeled after the warehouse seen at the conclusion of the first Indiana Jones “Raiders of the Lost Ark” film. Pounder’s character is charged with securing those threatening objects.