Rachael Taylor has joined the cast of Marvel's "A.K.A. Jessica Jones," which will premiere this year on Netflix.
As reported by Marvel.com, the onetime "666 Park Avenue" resident and "Charlie's Angel" will play Patricia "Trish" Walker, a syndicated radio host, former model and onetime child TV star (known to her legions of fans as "Patsy").
"Rachael's ability to embody a character that must balance both the darker and lighter elements of our series will provide a perfect emotional anchor for Jessica Jones," Marvel Head of Television Jeph Loeb said in the Marvel announcement. "Rachael blew us away with her grounded, humanizing take on Trish, adding yet another layer to the complex, emotional story we're telling with this series."
In the 13-episode Marvel series, Jessica Jones (played by Krysten Ritter), is dealing with the tragic end to her short-lived superhero stint and is now rebuilding her personal life and career as a New York City detective who gets pulled into cases involving people with extraordinary abilities. Trish, as her closest friend, helps Jessica embark on the most dangerous case of her career.
In Marvel comics lore, Trish/Patsy ultimately suited up as the heroine Hellcat. Patsy Walker was created by Ruth Atkinson and first appeared in 1944's "Miss America Magazine" #2, published by Marvel predecessor Timely Comics, making her one of the longest-running Marvel characters still in circulation...though her original appearances were in the comedic /romance genre. In 1976's "Avengers" #144 by Steve Englehart and George Perez, she took on the superhero identity of Hellcat, and most recently has been a part of the "She-Hulk" cast under writer Charles Soule, according to Comic Book Resources.
Taylor joins a cast that also includes "Doctor Who's" David Tennant (as the villain Kilgrave) and "The Good Wife's" Mike Colter (as Jessica's love interest and former Power Man, Luke Cage).
