MTV vet will branch into comic film

MTV and "Entertainment Tonight" pseudo journalist (an perpetual Maxim covergirl) Vanessa Minnillo has booked a supporting role in the upcoming sequel "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer."

According to Variety, Minnillo will play a love interest for Chris Evans' Johnny Storm/Human Torch. But the trade paper doesn't go into any depth on if the character appears in only a fleeting appearance (which seems likely) or if it's a more substantial role.

If it's the latter, it's unclear what that will mean regarding the previously announced casting of Beau Garrett as Frankie Raye, another love interest for Johnny/Torch, albeit an interesting character who became Nova in the Marvel comics.

Director Tim Story has already begun production on the sequel in Vancouver. Original stars Ioan Gruffudd, Jessica Alba, Chris Evans and Michael Chiklis return, with Andre Braugher as the other major casting addition.

The 25-year-old Minnillo is best known for her myriad MTV appearances and her tabloid-friendly relationship with Nick Lachey. She was 1998's Miss Teen USA and went on to co-host the 2004 pageant.