David Greenwalt

CBS’ ’Moonlight’ Shines on Sophia Myles

’Underworld’ co-star replaces Shannon Lucio in vampire drama

Sophia Myles is the new female lead on CBS’ vampire private eye drama "Moonlight."

"Moonlight" focuses on an undead private investigator (Alex O’Loughlin) fighting various supernatural forces while also battling very human crime. He’s joined by his former bride and vamp sire (Amber Valletta) and his vampire mentor (Rade Serbedzija).

If the overall premise sounds a bit like The WB’s "Angel," that’s totally OK, because that beloved drama’s co-creator David Greenwalt was brought in as showrunner on "Moonlight."

While Greenwalt is expected to help reconceive that Friday night drama the decision to recast the leading lady predated his arrival on the project.

In the original presentation, Shannon Lucio ("The O.C.") played the vampire’s mortal love, a television reporter. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the character, Beth Turner, has become an ambitious online reporter, proving that CBS’ discovery of the Internet wasn’t limited to the resurrection of "Jericho."

The 27-year-old Myles is probably best known from "Underword" and its sequel, as well as the features "Tristan + Isolde" and "Art School Confidential." On the small screen, she’s been seen on episodes of "Doctor Who" and "Extras," as well as in the recent telefilm adaptation of "Dracula."