Jessica De Gouw is going from a comic universe to a supernatural one.
The young Australian actress, who had a multiple-episode arc on The CW's Arrow, has been tapped to co-star in NBC's upcoming drama Dracula, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
De Gouw, who played the iconic character known as the Huntress on The CW's freshman breakout starring Stephen Amell, will star opposite Jonathan Rhys Meyers in the vampire series being eyed for fall 2013.
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The series, which bypassed the traditional pilot stage, takes place in the 1890s and finds Dracula living a double life in London as an American businessman interested in bringing modern science to Victorian society. But his true plan -- to exact revenge on those who burdened him centuries ago -- is derailed when he falls in love with Mina, who seems to be a reincarnation of his dead wife.
De Gouw will play Mina, the only woman studying to be a doctor at University College in London. She's described as being forward-thinking, clever and independent -- more at home at a bohemian party than sipping tea in drawing room.
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Dracula, a co-production from British Sky Broadcasting, Carnival Films & Television, Flame Ventures and NBCUniversal, hails from Tony Krantz (24, Sports Night) and former HBO Films president Colin Callender and writer-creator Cole Haddon (who will co-exec produce) and will be produced for NBC stateside and the U.K.'s Sky Living. Gareth Neame (Downton Abbey) and Anne Mensah are also on board, along with Reece Pearson, who will also serve as a co-EP.
Repped by RGM, Artist Group, KTM Artist Group and Jackoway Tyerman, De Gouw's credits include Underbelly and Bedtime Stories.
Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit
