After months of speculation and rumor, we can finally put a face to the name Supergirl: Melissa Benoist. CBS scooped up the Glee actress this week to lead their new small screen reboot of the popular title as Kara Zor-El. After turns in the musical comedy-drama and this year’s Whiplash, she might not be an instantly recognizable name, but after landing this prestigious gig, that will no doubt change.
This new series is set to debut later in the year and stems from the same creative kindling as the two comic book smashes on CBS’ sister network, The CW. After adapting the DC Comics, The Flash and Arrow, and nurturing their respective series’ to major success, creator Greg Berlanti has turned his sights to Superman’s female cousin for his next project. With regards to Kara’s rich storylines, there’s plenty to mine from the comic books, and here’s what the show is shaping up like (via Variety):
The eponymous 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.
Sounds like standard comic book series fare. But, in the capable hands of Berlanti and his co-writing partner Ali Adler, Supergirl has a lot going for it even at this stage. Receiving a series commitment last year no doubt boosted Berlanti’s confidence in the show reaching production. Now in light of Benoist’s casting announcement, this undoubtedly shows that the network are similarly confident in its success. If we can just get a few more characters locked down – ahem, Jimmy Olsen – then we’ll start to believe Supergirl might really take off.
We’ll keep you posted.
