Canadian actress Kristin Kreuk poses as she arrives at the launch party for the CW television network in Burbank.
Canadian actress Kristin Kreuk, star of the drama series "Smallville", poses as she arrives at the launch party for the CW television network at Warner Bros. studios in Burbank, California September 18, 2006. Former "Smallville" star Kristen Kreuk has scored the lead role in CW's new show "Beauty and the Beast." Contrary to popular belief, the show is not a remake of the original Disney animated production but is actually loosely based on a 1980s CBS series. The Canadian actress, best known for her role as Lana Lang in "Smallville," will play leading lady and New York homicide detective Catherine. REUTERS/Fred Prouser

Former Smallville star Kristin Kreuk has scored the lead role in CW's new show Beauty and the Beast. Contrary to popular belief, the show is not a remake of the original Disney animated production but is actually loosely based on a 1980s CBS series. The Canadian actress, best known for her role as Lana Lang in Smallville, will play leading lady and New York homicide detective Catherine. In a compelling twist, Catherine finds an unlikely ally in a military veteran turned beast, Vincent.

The original series was created by Ron Koslow, who will return as an executive producer alongside a number of other producers. CW's pilot will meet head to head with another Beauty and the Beast pilot ordered by ABC last month, according to InsideTV.

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