Selma Blair is NBC's choice for "Kath & Kim"

By Nellie Andreeva

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Following a lengthy search, NBC has zeroed in on Selma Blair to star opposite Molly Shannon in the high-profile comedy pilot "Kath and Kim."

Based on the hit Australian series "Kath & Kim," the NBC comedy focuses on the dysfunctional relationship between Kath (Shannon) and her daughter Kim (Blair).

Casting the title characters has been considered crucial to the success of the show. When the project was first picked up to pilot by NBC in January 2007, it was pushed to summer because of difficulties casting the leads.

Following her breakthrough roles on the WB Network comedy series "Zoe, Duncan, Jack & Jane" and in the feature "Cruel Intentions," Blair went on to co-star in such movies as "The Sweetest Thing" and "Legally Blonde."

She next reprises her role as Liz Sherman in "Hellboy II: The Golden Army," and will appear opposite Antonio Banderas in "My Mom's New Boyfriend."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter