Jada Pinkett Smith has been cast as a villain in Batman prequel Gotham.

The actress, best known for her roles in The Nutty Professor and Scream 2, is the latest star to join the 13-part TV series which is expected to hit US screens in the autumn.

Jada will play Fish Mooney, who is described as an imposing and hot-headed sadistic gangster, reports Digital Spy.

Gotham will focus on Batman character Jim Gordon, played by Ben McKenzie, in the days before he became police commissioner.

The series, which is being written by The Mentalist creator Bruno Heller, also features Donal Logue as Harvey Bullock, Sean Pertwee as Alfred Pennyworth and Robin Lord Taylor as The Penguin.

Casting for the 11-year-old Bruce Wayne, who will appear as a regular in the show, is yet to be announced.