The talented and adorable Kristen Bell became a star as the lively detective on “Veronica Mars” and now she moves on to more heroic ventures, on NBC’s show “Heroes.”

The 27-year-old actress won critical praise and public admiration for her part in the teen drama series “Veronica Mars,” which aired from 2004 to 2007, first on UPN and then CW.

The show aired its season finale in late May this year, leaving loyal fans distraught. The decision came after “Veronica Mars” saw ratings decrease continually, reaching a modest 1.8 million viewers for its later episodes.

Variety now reports that Kristen Bell is not without a job and her fans will soon enjoy the sight of her again: on TV as well as on the big screen.

The actress has been added to the cast of NBC sci-fi drama series “Heroes.” She will make her first appearance in October, during the show’s second season. Her character will be Elle, a “sexy, mysterious young lady,” says Variety, who makes her entrance by committing a crime.

Bell was apparently no easy catch for NBC, as more than one studio seems to want the blue-eyed blonde actress on its payroll. Universal Media Studios president Katherine Pope said “many studios (were) chasing her in both film and TV” and added she was pleased that Bell “chose to star in our show.”

The 27-year-old joins an ensemble cats that includes Hayden Panettiere, Milo Ventimiglia, Ali Larter and Greg Grunberg.

Bell stars in Judd Apatow’s romantic comedy “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” slated for a 2008 release. She also stars in “Fanboys,” a Weinstein Co. film, set to be released in early 2008.

While she was reportedly approached for a part in ABC’s “Lost,” Bell chose “Heroes,” where her character Elle will be a woman of some mystery. Her arc on the show will present her ties with Peter, Claire and H.R.G.

“This was not easy to pull off,” said “Heroes” creator-exec producer Tim Kring, as quoted by Variety. “But since we’re an ensemble show, with many arcs playing out through the year, we found a way to jump into a small window in (Bell’s) schedule.”

Bell fans, enjoy!