Transformers star Rachael Taylor is joining the cast of Netflix’s second upcoming MCU series, “Marvel’s A.K.A. Jessica Jones.” What’s more, she’ll be playing one of Marvel’s oldest female characters, Patsy Walker!
Walker made her debut way back in 1944 in the pages of “Miss America Magazine” #2 (published by what was then known as Timely Comics). Created by Ruth Atkinson, Walker would appear throughout the next two decades in a series of Marvel romance comics starring as “The Girl Who Could Be YOU!” It was in 1965 that a cameo appearance in “Fantastic Four” Annual #3 established Walker in Marvel’s 616 continuity and another decade before she was reinvented as the superhero and Avenger known as Hellcat.
For the new series, the character is being officially referred to Patricia “Trish” Walker, a syndicated radio talk show host, former model and child TV star known to her adoring fans as “Patsy” Walker. As Jessica Jones’ closest friend, Trish helps her embark on the most dangerous case of Jessica’s career.
Taylor joins Krysten Ritter as Jessica Jones, David Tennant as Kilgrave and Mike Colter as Luke Cage for the upcoming series, set for a 13-episode with Melissa Rosenberg (“Dexter”) serving as executive producer and showrunner.
“The character is a star and a powerhouse, and required an actress who is both,” says Rosenberg. “Rachael is all that and more!”
“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,” adds Jeph Loeb, also executive producer and Marvel’s Head of Television. “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.”
Look for “A.K.A. Jessica Jones” to premiere on Netflix later this year.
(Photo Credit: Nikki Nelson / WENN.com)
