'E.R.' and 'Less Than Perfect' favorites lead FOX pilots

Veteran series leads Julianna Margulies and Sara Rue have signed on to topline drama pilots at FOX.

According to the industry trades, Margulies will star in "Canterbury's Law," a legal drama about a woman named Elizabeth Canterbury (hence the title, we suspect). Margulies would play the main character, an edgy defense attorney, in the Mike Figgis-directed pilot. She would also get a producer credit.

This will be the first pilot for the Emmy-winning "Snakes on a Plane" star since a little NBC drama called "E.R." Her recent credits include the Sci Fi miniseries "The Lost Room" and a recurring role on HBO's "The Sopranos."

Also at FOX, Rue will play one of the titular medical professionals in the comedic drama "Nurses," playing a married woman who still frequents online dating sites.

Rue starred for four seasons on ABC's comedy "Less That Perfect." She also co-starred on The WB's "Popular" for its two-season run.

In other casting news, Jamie Murray of AMC/BBC's "Hustle," will play a neurologist/demon enthusiast in CBS' drama "Demons," set to star Ron Eldard and Harold Perrineau.