Lehman ices 'Killer' gig

Cook stakes out 'Vegas'

By MICHAEL SCHNEIDER

Cook

Lehman

In the latest round of network castings, Kristin Lehman ("The Way of the Gun") has taken over the lead female role on the upcoming Fox drama "Killer Instinct," while Rachael Leigh Cook will recur next season on NBC's "Las Vegas."

Lehman will play Marcy Hess on "Killer Instinct" (formerly "The Gate"), the Josh Berman-created skein about a female investigator who teams up with a male detective (Johnny Messner) to solve strange crimes.

Lehman replaces original cast member Marguerite Moreau, whose character, Det. Ava Lyford, will be phased out after the show's pilot.

Originally titled "Deviant Behavior" and briefly renamed "The Gate," skein comes from 20th Century Fox TV and Regency TV.

Lehman's credits include "Kevin Hill," "Century City," "Strange World," "Poltergeist: The Legacy" and the telepic "Verdict in Blood." She's also appeared in films "Dog Park" and "Alaska."

As for Cook, the actress will guest star in four episodes of "Las Vegas" as a real estate agent and potential love interest for Josh Duhamel's character, casino surveillance staffer Danny McCoy.

Cook, who most recently starred as Clara Wheeler in the miniseries "Into the West," will appear on "Las Vegas" early in the fall.

Cook appeared in the pilot of the new Fox skein "Head Cases" but has left the show. Credits also include the telepics "True Women" and "Country Justice" and supplying a voice on the animated skein "Batman Beyond."

Cook's feature work includes "Get Carter," "The House of Yes," "Josie and the Pussycats" and "Living Out Loud."