Netflix's 'AKA Jessica Jones' Casts Rachael Taylor As Trish Walker (AKA Hellcat)

By Angie Han/Jan. 29, 2015 2:30 pm EST

Jessica Jones has a new bestie. Rachael Taylor has just boarded Netflix's AKA Jessica Jones as Patricia "Trish" Walker. In the comics, Trish Walker takes on the superhero identity Hellcat. More on the AKA Jessica Jones Rachael Taylor casting after the jump.

Marvel announced the news. Here's how they describe the character:

Trish is 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.

Patricia Walker made her Marvel Comics debut in 1944. In the 1970s, she became the superhero Hellcat and joined the Defenders. The Marvel press release notes Trish's Hellcat alter ego from the comic, but doesn't confirm whether Trish will also become Hellcat on the show.

"The character is a star and a powerhouse, and required an actress who is both," said showrunner Melissa Rosenberg. Executive producer Jeph Loeb added, "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."

Krysten Ritter leads AKA Jessica Jones as a former superhero who rebuilds her life as a detective in New York City. She gets drawn into cases that involve people with superpowers. Also starring are Mike Colter as Luke Cage and David Tennant as villain Kilgrave.

Taylor is coming off of a string of short-lived shows: NBC's Crisis, ABC's 666 Park Avenue, and ABC's Charlie's Angels. On the bright side, she also had a recurring role on the very long-lived Grey's Anatomy. Her film credits include Transformers, The Darkest Hour, and this weekend's The Loft.

AKA Jessica Jones premieres in 2015 with 13 episodes. It'll be the second of five Marvel shows coming up from Netflix, after this spring's Dardevil. Following AKA Jessica Jones will be Luke Cage and Iron Fist. All four lead characters will then team up for The Defenders.