Halle Berry to star in CBS summer series ‘Extant’

Once again, we come to you today with more evidence that if you are a major star in Hollywood these days, TV is where it’s at. It is a good, solid job that gives you the opportunity to do exciting things, while at the same time develop a following that could be interested in seeing you do movies during the off months. Just look at some of the actors who are already crossing into the medium: Claire Danes came with “Homeland,” Robin Williams is back with “The Crazy Ones,” and Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson are heading to HBO early next year.

So who is the latest name joining the pack? It’s none other than Oscar-winner Halle Berry, who is poised to star in the sci-fi series “Extant” on CBS, which is likely going to help continue the direction that the network has gone with “Under the Dome.” It’s a 13-episode show that will star Berry as an astronaut who, after returning to earth following a year-long voyage in space, starts to realize that the world that she is surrounded by is hardly the same sort of world that was there when she left.

The show is executive-produced by Steven Spielberg (who also is involved with “Under the Dome“), and he had the following to say today in a statement:

“There’s only one Halle Berry and we are incredibly honored that she has chosen Extant to expand her illustrious career. As she does with everything she touches, she will bring a deep authenticity to her role and I very much look forward to working with her.”

There’s no doubt that Halle is a great actress, but did she really bring that much “authenticity” to Catwoman? Just saying. The only other problem that we can think of here is that Spielberg’s track record lately, save for the Stephen King adaptation, is not great. “Smash” was an epic flop for NBC, and “Lucky 7” earlier today became the first show canceled of the fall season.

What do you think about Halle’s new gig, and do you think that the combination of Berry and Spielberg will deliver? Be sure to share some of your thoughts below.

Photo: CBS