Elizabeth Hurley joins Wonder Woman

Elizabeth Hurley has joined the cast of 'Wonder Woman'.

The 45-year-old actress is "thrilled" to be appearing as an evil villain in a pilot episode of the new NBC reimaging of the hit 70s show.

Writing on her twitter page, Elizabeth - whose previous roles include parts in the films 'Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery' and 'Bedazzled' - said: "Thrilled to be doing the NBC pilot Wonder Woman. I'll be playing the evil villain. Can't wait."

While Lynda Carter originally played the iconic superhero - who was first brought to life in DC Comics - relatively unknown star Adrianne Palicki is set to assume the lead role in the pilot.

However, last month's casting announcement may have come as a disappointment to 'Mad Men' actress Christina Hendricks, who recently admitted she would love to play the part.

She said: "I've been wanting to wear that outfit my whole life! I'd love to do it. That would be such fun! Let's put it out there!"

The initial episode of 'Wonder Woman' is to be made by studio giants Warner Bros, with 'Ally McBeal' writer and producer David E. Kelly penning it and the subsequent series if it proves to be popular.

He recently explained while he enjoyed taking the helm, it was a "complicated" show to write.

David said: "I had a lot of fun writing it. It's a very complicated piece, which is the most fun thing about it."