'Van Helsing' season 2 latest news: Missy Peregrym joins cast

"Van Helsing" continues to stay true to its presentation of strong female characters, with Canadian actress Missy Peregrym joining the cast in season 2 as Scarlett Harker.

Scarlett is a mysterious woman who may help the protagonists, led by Vanessa Van Helsing (Kelly Overton), in defeating the vampires. Her surname, "Harker," might be an homage to a character in the original "Dracula" film — Mina Harker (Winona Ryder), the fiancée of Jonathan Harker (Keanu Reeves), who was turned into a vampire by Dracula himself so that she can be his new bride.

Peregrym is best known for her role as Officer Andy McNally in "Rookie Blue."

Regarding Peregrym's addition to the cast, showrunner Neil LaBute said: "The series thrives on female energy and power and we're getting two barrels full with Missy's talents. I can't wait to see her jump into battle alongside Kelly Overton and the rest of the cast with all we have planned for them in season two."

LaBute also revealed in an interview with SyFy that season 2 will explore Vanessa's powers and abilities. He stated that the resurrected Van Helsing has yet to find out the full extent of her abilities, and the upcoming season will delve into this. He also teased fans by saying that Vanessa might only be considered as the savior of the world because people want her to be and that there might be a real savior out there who can really save mankind.

"Van Helsing" revolves around Vanessa Van Helsing, a descendant of Abraham Van Helsing who comes back to life in order to step up to fight vampires, a role that has been held by her family for generations. Her resurrection came as a result of the undead taking over the world. Season 1 ended with Vanessa being left all alone when her allies either died, were turned into vampires, or simply abandoned her, so Scarlett might be a new ally.

As with the first season, season 2 of "Van Helsing" will get 13 episodes. It is slated for a fall premiere on SyFy, although the specific date has not been revealed yet.