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Supergirl
Supergirl is an American television series developed by writer/producers Greg Berlanti, Ali Adler and Andrew Kreisberg which airs on the CBS Television Network.
The series is based on the DC Comics character Supergirl (Kara Zor-El), a costumed superhero who is the biological cousin to Superman and one of the last surviving Kryptonians, who was created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino. The series was officially picked up on May 6, 2015 after receiving a series commitment in September 2014, and will premiere on October 26th at 8:30PM (EST).
Twelve-year-old Kara escaped the doomed planet Krypton with her parents' help at the same time as the infant Kal-El. Protected and raised on Earth by her foster family, the Danvers, Kara grew up in the shadow of her foster sister, Alex (Chyler Leigh), and learned to conceal the phenomenal powers she shares with her famous cousin in order to keep her identity a secret. Years later at 24, Kara lives in National City assisting media mogul and fierce taskmaster Cat Grant (Golden Globe Award winner Calista Flockhart), who just hired the Daily Planet's former photographer, James Olsen (Mehcad Brooks), as her new art director. However, Kara's days of keeping her talents a secret are over when Hank Henshaw (David Harewood), head of a super-secret agency where her sister also works, enlists her to help them protect the citizens of National City from sinister threats. Though Kara will need to find a way to manage her newfound empowerment with her very human relationships, her heart soars as she takes to the skies as Supergirl to fight crime. Greg Berlanti ("The Flash," "Arrow"), Ali Adler, Sarah Schecter and Andrew Kreisberg are executive producers for Berlanti Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. The pilot was directed by Glen Winter ("Arrow").
Cast/Characters
Melissa Benoist as Kara Zor-El / Kara Danvers / Supergirl: A 24-year old Kryptonian living in National City who must embrace her powers after previously hiding them. She is Cat Grant's assistant at CatCo. Benoist expressed her excitement over portraying the character, and being able to "[tell] a story about a human being really realizing their potential and their strength". Claire Holt and Gemma Atkinson were under consideration for the role. Malina Weissman will portray a young Kara.
Mehcad Brooks as James "Jimmy" Olsen: A former Daily Planet photographer living and working in National City for Cat Grant as her new art director and love interest for Kara.
Calista Flockhart as Cat Grant: The founder of media conglomerate CatCo.
David Harewood as Hank Henshaw: A former CIA agent who is the head of the Department of Extra-Normal Operations (DEO), who goes on high alert when Supergirl reveals herself, worried that her otherworldly abilities pose a threat to humankind.
Chyler Leigh as Alexandra "Alex" Danvers: Kara's adoptive sister and a doctor who will try to learn as much as she can about Kara's Kryptonian culture. She works for Henshaw at the DEO.
Laura Benanti as Alura Zor-El: Kara's birth mother whose wisdom and guidance proves invaluable in Kara's journey toward becoming Supergirl.
Jeremy Jordan will portray Winslow "Winn" Schott, a tech expert who works alongside Kara at CatCo, based on the DC Comics character Toyman, in a guest role. It has the potential to become a recurring role. Faran Tahir will portray The Commander, while Owain Yeoman will portray Vartox, an alien convict who has been hiding on Earth for the past twelve years and seeks a battle with Supergirl after she emerges. Helen Slater (who portrayed Supergirl in the 1984 film) and Dean Cain (who portrayed Superman in Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman) are cast in undisclosed roles. The Lumberjack, a minor DC character, will appear in the pilot episode.
