‘Glee’ alum lands iconic comic role
CBS has cast the sought after role of Supergirl in Glee and Whiplash actress Melissa Benoist.
The series centers on Superman’s cousin, Kara Zor-El, who escaped from Krypton amid the planet’s destruction years ago. Since arriving on Earth, she’s been hiding the powers she shares with her famous relative. But now at age 24, she decides to embrace her superhuman abilities and be the hero she was always meant to be.
The hour-long drama pilot is written by Greg Berlanti and Ali Adler from Berlanti Productions (who also oversees DC Comics TV adaptations of Arrow and The Flash) in association with Warner Bros. Television.
Supergirl has previously been portrayed by Helen Slater in the 1984 film version and in 2010 on The CW’s Smallville played by Laura Vandervoort.
CBS chair Nina Tassler stated at the network’s recent TCA Winter Press Tour presentation before the casting: “We’re looking for quality, charisma. She’s got to be everywoman.”
In keeping with the recent comic adaptations, Supergirl’s iconic costume has been designed by the The CW’s Arrow and The Flash costume designer, Colleen Atwood.
