'Soul Food' star joins Abrams' 'Undercovers'

By Nellie Andreeva

Boris Kodjoe has landed the male lead in J.J. Abrams' pilot for NBC"Undercovers."

"Undercovers," described as a mix between "Mr. & Mrs. Smith"and "The Bourne Identity," revolves around spouses Samantha andSteven (Kodjoe) Bloom, who work together as spies.

Earlier this week, veteran Gerald McRaney became the first actor tapped for the project asthe couple's CIA boss. The role of Samantha is yet to becast.

Abrams is considering directing the Warner Bros. TV-produced pilot,which he co-wrote with Josh Reims.

Kodjoe is a bold choice for a leading man on a network drama asbroadcasters have stuck predominantly with Caucasian leads.

Kodjoe, repped by Gersh, is probably best known for his starringrole on the series "Soul Food." He will next be seen in "ResidentEvil: Afterlife."