The US remake of the ABC's critically acclaimed hit drama Rake has taken a step closer to becoming a reality: US network Fox has given the green light to a pilot episode.

The pilot is described as "a character-driven comedic drama" and will star American actor Greg Kinnear as Keegan Joye, a brilliant but self-destructive criminal defence lawyer.

Richard Roxburgh stars as self-destructive criminal defence lawyer Cleaver Greene in the ABC's Rake.

In the Australian version, the same character is named Cleaver Greene and is played by actor Richard Roxburgh.

The project is being produced by Sony's TV production arm, Sony Pictures Television, which announced plans to remake Rake earlier this year.