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It may deal with the fringes of science and para-psychology, but it?s important to note that in no way is the upcoming Fox series "Fringe" to be considered a second shot at "The X-Files." These are the words of executive producer Jeff Pinkner who insists that instead, the show has drawn some inspiration from other grounded stories.

"Inevitably because this show deals with science matters, it's going to be compared to ?The X Files,?" Pinkner said. "I was under that impression before I opened the script but it's really nothing like it at all except that it's a show on Fox that deals with matters of science. I would say the inspirations for this show are more in the realm of ?The Twilight Zone,? ?Altered States? and ?The Fly;? very grounded stories that deal with issues at the fringes of actual science."

Produced by J.J. Abrams (who is currently re-inventing ?Star Trek? for the big screen), the series focuses on an enigmatic and elite group that has come together to unravel some of science?s most unexplainable mysteries. And like all Bad Robot productions, it was important for the right people to bring these characters to life.

"Anna Torv (Olivia) is completely unknown to American audiences. In true Bad Robot fashion ? it was well past the 11th hour when April Webster, our casting maven, found Anna in Australia," Pinkner said. "She immediately blew everyone away. She's now the only person we could ever picture in this role. She was a total find."

Also starring in the series is former "Dawson?s Creek" star Joshua Jackson ? someone that Pinkner struggled to accept in the role of Peter. But in the end was won over by his acting talents.

"He's been running away from a lot of things. Peter has an innate intelligence and Joshua is pretty brilliant, which helps him sell that side of the character. He's very reluctant to join this world and he only does so out of necessity."

"Fringe" launches Sept. 9 on Fox.

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