Yoba, Mennell to star in 'Alphas' pilot

NEW YORK, July 30 (UPI) -- The U.S. cable network Syfy says Malik Yoba and Laura Mennell have joined the cast of its action-adventure pilot "Alphas."

The casting decision was announced Friday by Mark Stern, executive vice president of original programming at Syfy and co-head of content for Universal Cable Productions.

"Alphas" is slated to commence production next month in Toronto. It is about a team of ordinary citizens whose brain anomalies imbue them with extraordinary mental and physical abilities. Taking the law into its own hands, the unlikely team, led by Dr. Lee Rosen (played by David Strathairn,) investigates cases that suggest other Alpha activity -- to uncover what the CIA, FBI and Pentagon have not been able or willing to solve, Syfy said in a synopsis of the pilot.

Yoba, a former star of "New York Undercover," is to play Alphas team member Bill Harken, a former FBI agent from working-class roots.

Mennell, whose film credits include "Watchmen," plays the complicated Alpha team member Nina Theroux, described as seductive, intelligent and confident. Her Alpha ability allows her to influence people to do whatever she wishes but her power can sometimes spin out of control.

"Malik and Laura are perfect additions to an already impressive ensemble cast. They both have great intensity and charisma," Stern said in a statement.