Lawless to swing on 'Tarzan'

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Lucy Lawless has signed on to appear in Warner Brothers' frosh drama "Tarzan," Daily Variety reported Tuesday.

Lawless, who starred as "Xena, Warrior Princess," will play Kathleen Clayton, Tarzan's aunt and a publishing magnate who clashes with her brother (Mitch Pileggi) over how to rehabilitate their jungle-bred nephew (Travis Fimmel).

"Lucy has a tremendous sense of humor, warmth and grace," said Warner president Jordan Levin. "She has a fun, larger-than-life personality that will shape the character of Kathleen Clayton as she makes it her own. That is what attracted us to her for future development."

Lawless recently cameoed in the theatrical "Spider-Man," which coincidentally came from "Tarzan" exec producer Laura Ziskin. She spent six seasons starring in "Xena," the first-run syndicated hit that ran from 1995-2001.