Halle Berry to Star in CBS' Extant From Steven Spielberg

Halle Berry has been tapped to star in CBS' new summer series Extant, TVGuide.com has learned.

From Steven Spielberg's Amblin Television, the futuristic thriller follows a female astronaut (Berry) who tries to reconnect with her husband and son when she returns after a year-long solo mission in outer space. Her experiences lead to events that ultimately change the course of human history.

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"I'm always on the lookout for amazing roles and when you see material that contains this strong of auspices, nuance and complexity it compels me to run toward it no matter the medium," Berry said in a statement. "For five months a year I'll get to live with and play this incredibly intelligent and vulnerable woman, and for the remainder of the year I'll continue to look for other roles that move me as deeply as this one. I've found amazing partners in CBS's Nina Tassler and Les Moonves, and the incredible Steven Spielberg, along with his Amblin production team, whose vision and creativity in storytelling is unparalleled."

Added Spielberg: "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."

In addition to starring in Extant, Berry and her producing partner Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas have signed a two-year, first-look production deal with CBS Television Studios.

CBS orders Steven Spielberg drama Extant for Summer 2014

Berry, who won an Academy Award for her role in Monster's Ball, is also known for playing Storm in the X-Menfranchise.

Spielberg, an executive producer on CBS' other summer drama Under the Dome, will executive-produce Extant alongside Greg Walker, Brooklyn Weaver, Justin Falvey, Darryl Frank and Mickey Fisher, who will also pen the script.

(Full disclosure: TVGuide.com is owned by CBS.)