[OT] Supergirl Season 4 Inspired By DC's Superman: Red Son

manigamer · Sep 4, 2014

With the overwhelming popularity and recognition enjoyed by Superman a.k.a. the ‘Man of Steel’ around the world, one would assume that the members of his immediate family would enjoy similar levels of attention. But for years Supergirl has stood in the shadow of her Kryptonian cousin, despite possessing all of his strength. As Superman is set to return to the box office with his friends in tow, a new report claims that the last daughter of Krypton might get a series of her own – on television.

The report comes courtesy of Bleeding Cool and their source, claiming that writer and producer Michael Green (Smallville, Heroes, Green Lantern) is set to produce and write a Supergirl series – a project that DC Entertainment is “actively pitching.” Green may not be a household name for mass audiences, but he’s acted as writer and producer on multiple DC Comics properties in the past; that includes his work (as one of several writers) on both Green Lantern (2011) and the previously-announced Flash movie.

No other details are offered in BC‘s report, with regard to exactly what angle or networks the show is being developed for, but with Gotham, The Flash, Constantine and numerous other comic books in production for TV, there’s certainly no shortage of interested parties. Even so, there’s no question that adapting the character to TV would be a difficult task – a fact Green would be aware of, having co-written the character’s re-launch as part of DC’s ‘New 52′ reboot.

Given Green’s interest (and knowledge) of the character Kara Zor-El a.k.a. ‘Supergirl,’ the most likely direction would be the most obvious one: recreate the premise of Smallville, but with a female in the lead role. But aside from the danger of retreading similar territory (for much of the same audience), it’s difficult to create any take on the superheroine that is separated from her formerly-younger-cousin Kal-El.
But with DC’s TV and movie worlds totally divided, and it seeming less and less likely that Superman or Batman will appear outside of blockbusters, that would be a necessity.

For both Michael Green and Mike Johnson’s part, the recent reboot of the character steered clear of Superman from the start. But without a family of her own, or a relative to develop alongside, her comic delved headlong into the mysteries of Krypton. Besides that being almost prohibitively expensive for a standard TV series, it also takes a large bite out of Superman’s big screen story. Could DC and WB be willing to share the origin? Perhaps. But it’s not an easy decision to make.

The other question worth asking is what impact a potential Supergirl TV series might have on the character’s role in the larger DC/WB movie universe. Geoff Johns’ explanation that the movie and TV universes won’t be overlapping may seem like an argument for characters to appear in both TV and movies, but audiences have yet to see that theory in practice. What they have seen is a Wonder Woman origin story cancelled prior to her debut in Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice.

Those who believe that Supergirl was already teased in Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel will know that while the film’s prequel comic confirmed the existence of Kara Zor-El in the film’s continuity, she lived thousands of years before Kal-El. We’ve voiced our own theory on how Supergirl’s legacy could be preserved in the movie universe, but the standard origin story seems impossible. If that’s the case, then a TV series would be a welcome consolation for fans.

We’ll keep you up to date on this rumor if and when new details surface, but with Michael Green preparing to act as showrunner to Bryan Fuller’s American Gods, don’t be surprised if his attention is needed elsewhere. For now, what do you think of a Supergirl TV show? Would it be too close to Smallville for your tastes? Or does it seem like a logical step?

Follow me on Twitter @andrew_dyce.
Source: Bleeding Cool

manigamer · Sep 5, 2014

[h=1]‘Supergirl’ TV Show Details; Unlikely to Air on The CW?[/h]

Although the number of Marvel superhero films released in the past six years since they launched their cinematic universe may vastly outnumber those based on DC Comics characters, the opposite is soon to be true on the small screen. With The Flash premiering and Arrow returning for its third season on The CW, Gotham debuting on FOX, and Constantine starting on NBC, there will be more DC TV series than Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Agent Carter. It was reported yesterday that another DC character could join the ranks of small screen superheroes: Supergirl.

Contrary to the previous report, though, Michael Green (Smallville, Green Lantern) won’t be involved with the Supergirl series. Instead, the show is being developed by Greg Berlanti (Arrow, The Flash) and Ali Adler (Chuck).

Deadline is reporting Berlanti and Adler will reunite – they previously worked together on No Ordinary Family – to create the television series based on DC’s Supergirl. According to rumors reported by Deadline, the Supergirl series will be a “new interpretation” on the character and story.

As with all other DC-based shows, Warner Bros. TV will produce the untitled Supergirl project and DC’s Geoff Johns – who has been involved with Arrow, The Flash, and Gotham – is apparently involved. Adler will pen the pilot script for Supergirl and executive produce with Berlanti.

In terms of where the Supergirl series may land, E! News has reported that the project is not “expected” to air on The CW like Berlanti’s other DC shows. The series was pitched to the network, but they seemingly declined to pick it up. According to Deadline, in a couple weeks, the project will be pitched to the other major networks.

With Berlanti and Adler heading the project, rather than the previously reported Green, it seems the potential for a compelling Supergirl TV show is much higher. Berlanti has found success with Arrow, and although The Flash has yet to officially premiere, Johns has said it’s “the most faithful DC adaptation yet” offering fans plenty of hope for the new series.

If Supergirl isn’t housed at The CW, fans probably can’t expect to see a crossover or world-building between the three series, which may have been fun but aren’t necessary for the show’s success. Additionally, if the Supergirl project were to air on The CW, it may have been easier to generate a fanbase by drawing in viewers from Arrow and The Flash. But with the lack of a female-led superhero show on television, a Supergirl show at least has a lack of competition going for it.

It’s entirely possible that a Supergirl series could be successful on any network. Berlanti has enough experience under his belt to do the superheroine’s story justice, Adler has proven her chops of working with action characters, and with help from Johns, they’re sure to keep the series in line with the spirit of the comics (if not entirely faithful to the source material).

What do you think of the Supergirl TV series with Berlanti and Adler running the show? Are they the best choice?

Stay tuned to Screen Rant for more information on the Supergirl television series as it becomes available.
Source: Deadline, E! News

its Me · Sep 5, 2014

Super Girl series without Super Man ? :|

manigamer · Sep 10, 2014

[h=1]The CW May Add ‘Supergirl’ To Its ‘Arrow/Flash’ Universe[/h]

The explosion of comic book movie/TV properties was expected as superheroes continued to dominate the box office, but few expected Warner Bros. to act this fast. With Arrow, The Flash, Gotham, and Constantine all coming to viewers this fall on a range of networks, word recently broke that Superman’s own cousin Supergirl would be next up. Now it seems that producer Greg Berlanti has confirmed the project is in development, but is still in very early days.

The first rumors that Supergirl was being developed as a property for TV came seemingly out of nowhere, with additional reports adding that it was Berlanti – executive producer of both Arrow and The Flash – who was leading the project with his No Ordinary Family partner Ali Adler. But strangely enough, that report claimed that despite Berlanti’s involvement The CW had already passed on the series.

Now, it sounds as though that might not be the case. Speaking with CBR during PaleyFest 2014 – when he wasn’t discussing the arrival of Wally West on The Flash – Greg Berlanti confirmed that in addition to his role as executive producer on both Arrow and its spin-off, Supergirl was indeed being developed. But those hoping to hear some extra details or announcements will have to be patient, since Berlanti’s comments show he’s not ready to discuss it:

“We’re just starting to work on it. We haven’t gone to the networks yet, so… I’ll be happy, very excited to talk about it once we know where its home will be and that kind of stuff, but not at this moment. “

Going by Berlanti’s comments, it sounds as though the series is still a long way off from making it to TV screens on any network, but also that he has yet to take the series to The CW for consideration. And if that’s the case, it stands to reason that the show could be integrated into the budding Arrow/Flash universe.

There’s always the chance that The CW could run with the show as something of a spiritual successor to Smallville, and clarifying that there is no overlap between its story and that of the other shows on the network. But at this point in the game, that seems like missing out on a golden opportunity to inject some Kryptonian into their DC Comics TV continuity.

How that would be accomplished believably – or how Arrow and The Flash could compete with Kara Zor-El’s superpowers – is a mystery, but the showrunners do have some room to maneuver. It seems that the character will be left out of DC’s Man of Steel movie universe, despite being teased as an ancient Kryptonian. So with a blank slate, any number of re-imaginings could be used to fit Kara alongside Oliver Queen and Barry Allen.

For all we know, a Supergirl series could begin on Krypton in the months leading up to its destruction, concluding the first half of its season with her arrival on Earth. Besides giving the writers time to work out the details, a twist like that would give the network yet another one of the epic crossover events they’re clearly fond of. That’s just speculation, but those who view the idea with skepticism shouldn’t rule it out just yet.

Of course, there’s the outside chance that The CW has already passed on the idea, and Berlanti is simply keeping the details to himself. But whatever the case, plenty of other networks will be looking to nab the rights to a hero in the “Superman” family. With Fox already reaping the rewards of Gotham early buzz, and NBC taking a bite out of Sleepy Hollow with a supernatural serial of their own, perhaps the network will choose to up their game with a bone fide superhero.

We’ll keep you updated as more information arrives, but for now, what do you think of mixing in a character like Supergirl to The CW’s line-up? Does it seem like a no-brainer to carry on the Smallville legacy, or the kind of show that should be set within its own universe?

Follow me on Twitter @andrew_dyce.
Source: CBR

manigamer · Sep 20, 2014

[h=1]‘Supergirl’ TV Show Get Series Commitment from CBS[/h]

Two weeks ago we got the somewhat unexpected (but very much welcome) news that a Supergirl TV series is actively moving forward; confirmation arrived soon thereafter, with the revelation that the show is being developed by Ali Adler and Greg Berlanti (collaborators on the single-season super-powered family series No Ordinary Family). The project has now received a series commitment from CBS, which is in line with an earlier report that asserted the show was not necessarily destined to air on the CW.

Supergirl is going to follow the adventures of Kara Zor-El, the other surviving member of Krypton – who, like her cousin Kal-El, initially passes herself off as a regular human, upon arriving on Earth. However, unlike the Superman origin series Smallville, the Supergirl TV show is expected to begin when a 20-something Kara decides to embrace her powers and become a warrior – offering some modern superhero drama along the lines of Arrow and the upcoming The Flash, instead of the superhero teen/YA soap operatics of Smallville.

Berlanti, who also worked on Arrow and The Flash, and Adler (whose other TV writing and/or producing credits include Chuck and Glee) read as being a nice complimentary set of talents to brings the Supergirl comic book property to the small screen – and, as reported by Variety, CBS’ decision to pickup the series indicates that the network’s executives feel likewise. Moreover, as Variety has pointed out, this move finally gives CBS its own horse in the ongoing superhero TV series derby.

Berlanti told Variety that, as far as female superhero characters are concerned, that “we’re well past due for those kind of characters in film and TV.” He’s not the only one that recognizes that there’s a largely untapped demand for such entertainment either, seeing how Marvel Studios will release Agent Carter on ABC in early 2015 and then Jessica Jones on Netflix sometime thereafter, and the CW is premiering the DC Comics-inspired supernatural procedural iZombie show this year.

On the other hand, the CW passed on the proposed Wonder Woman origins show Amazon last year. However, that might’ve been in part due to Warner Bros. planning to incorporate the character in upcoming live-action DC comic book movies like Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice (before giving her a solo vehicle to call her own).

Regardless, it’s nice to see that as the superhero entertainment renaissance continues, we’ve starting to diversify more in terms of not just genres (with supernatural horror property Constantine headed to NBC this fall), but also the sort of characters whose stories are being told. The more variety in spices that are added to the mix, the longer audiences will continue to enjoy superhero dishes.

The Supergirl TV series seems likely to premiere on CBS in 2015. Expect there to be more updates on the show arriving in the foreseeable future.

Source: Variety

manigamer · Sep 24, 2014

[h=1]‘Supergirl’ TV Show Will Change Comic Origin Story[/h]

Out of all the recent DC Comics-to-TV adaptations, it seems that Supergirl has gone from a pipe dream to a confirmed series faster than any other (given her set of superpowers, perhaps that’s fitting). Now that Superman’s cousin has officially landed a series at CBS, some officially details are beginning to surface; and if they confirm other rumored information, then DC, WB and CBS are planning some significant changes to the character’s traditional origin story.

Strictly speaking, next to nothing is actually known about the Supergirl series, beyond the fact that Greg Berlanti (Arrow, The Flash) and Ali Adler (Chuck, The New Normal) will act as executive producers, and that The CW apparently felt the Kryptonian heroine wasn’t the right fit for their Arrow/Flash universe. Even so, it didn’t take long for most comic fans to assume that they were in store for an origin story fairly reminiscent of Smallville, but with a feminine twist.

Rumors claimed that the series would offer a “new interpretation” of the classic character, and the latest DC All Access (the work of DC Entertainment) has helped confirm the first hint of just how far the writers will stray. Here’s the description of the series given by host Tiffany Smith:

The series will follow Kara Zor-El, a Kryptonian girl who’s been hiding her powers here on Earth, but decides to embrace her powers, and become the hero she was always meant to be.

That’s clearly a vague description, but it bears a strong similarity (read: word for word) to a description given just days ago by IGN. At the time, IGN failed to explain exactly where they had gotten their description, so some (ourselves included) were hesitant to claim it as an official release – especially given the extral details:

Based on the characters from DC Comics, Supergirl will follow Kara Zor-El. Born on the planet Krypton, Kara escaped amid its destruction years ago. And since arriving on Earth, she’s been hiding the powers she shares with her famous cousin. But now at age 24, she decides to embrace her superhuman abilities and be the hero she was always meant to be.

If the shared wording is a sign that both are citing the same DC-scribed plot synopsis, then it stands to reason that the TV series – still without a name – will also feature a version of Kara Zor-El at age 24, experienced in concealing her Kryptonian superpowers. That might seem like a predictable synopsis for casual fans who witnessed a similar premise put to work in Man of Steel, but comic fans know that it’s a large departure from the character’s comic roots.

The continuity changes and reboots Supergirl has undergone since her introduction in 1959 have led to a variety of versions, but most in the modern age have stuck to a short list of details. Kara Zor-El was a teenager when her cousin, Kal, was sent to Earth by his Kryptonian parents. Kara managed to escape as well, but for one reason or another, arrived on Earth years behind, finding Kal a full-grown man (and superhero).

It then falls to Kal to help his cousin control her newfound powers until she can adopt a ‘Super’ mantle of her own -and a secret identity along with it (a story played out on Smallville already). But going by the apparent synopsis, that isn’t part of the new show’s identity at all.

Regardless of how much time is spent establishing how Kara got to Earth, skipping forward to an adult version – already used to hiding her powers from the public – lays the groundwork for a story sharing little in common with comic book canon. However, it does open the door for a version of Supergirl that follows the traditional path of her cousin Kal; using her powers, crafting a costume, establishing a secret/dual identity, etc.

That would seem an even more logical solution if the plan was to effectively remove Superman from the story altogether (which seems likely for a number of reasons). All things considered, a decision to skip over Supergirl’s actual origin story of arriving on Earth, instead focusing on how she became a hero could be a risky move. But it would set the show apart from much of the coming competition – and that could prove a strength.

What do you think of the changes in comic book canon that seem to be coming? Is an older Kara Zor-El wise, to appeal to more than just younger audiences? Would a chance to see the classic, fantastic elements of Superman fiction adopted on TV help soften the blow of Man of Steel‘s updates?

Supergirl is expected to air on CBS sometime in 2015.

Follow me on Twitter @andrew_dyce for updates on Supergirl as well as movie, TV, and gaming news.

Source: DC Entertainment, IGN

manigamer · Oct 15, 2014

[h=1]‘Smallville’ Supergirl Offers Advice for CBS Actress[/h]

When Man of Steel hit theaters, fans couldn’t help but wonder when and if that film would lead to a larger DC universe. A prequel comic that preceded its release even hinted at the existence of Kal-El’s cousin, who would eventually become known as Supergirl. Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice likely won’t include the character, in keeping with DC’s goal to keep its films separate from TV projects like Arrow and The Flash.

However, the recent announcement that a Supergirl series has received a full series commitment from CBS means that fan’s of Kara Zor-El’s alter-ego won’t have long to wait to see the character brought to life yet again. We already know that the new show will make some changes to Supergirl’s origin story, placing her as a young woman in her mid-twenties who has been hiding her powers on Earth for years.

Now, in an interview with IGN at New York Comic Con, Laura Vandervoort – who played Kara/Supergirl on The CW’s Smallville – has shared her suggestion for the next actress to play the iconic role. Here’s what she had to say:

“Make sure you have some Nike soles in there. Just kidding! So you can run. Just make it your own. Everyone has an idea of how she should be, which I was concerned about when I played her, but when you find a way to relate to her and then bring your own self into it, I think people appreciate it. You can’t make everything the same. So, just make it your own.”

Vandervoort’s joking reference to the character’s physicality aside, her advice is sound. Oftentimes, an actor has a higher chance of success in taking on a popular character when he or she chooses to put a unique spin on the part.

Take, for instance, Brandon Routh’s turn as the title hero in Superman Returns, a film and performance that aimed to recapture the tone and style of Richard Donner’s original 1978 Superman: The Movie. The 2006 Bryan Singer film failed to reignite the franchise, while Man of Steel - despite its divisive nature – tried something different, earned nearly $670 million at the worldwide box office and is kicking off the DC Cinematic Universe.

In the case of Supergirl, it will be interesting to see the approach the show’s creative team take and whether this new series will tie in with the DC shows currently airing on The CW. In the meantime, there’s plenty of time to speculate on the new Supergirl. Who would you cast in the role and why?

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Stay tuned to Screen Rant for updates on Supergirl.
Source: IGN

manigamer · Oct 31, 2014

[h=1]‘Supergirl’ TV Series Main Character Details Revealed[/h]

Hopefully, audiences aren’t getting too burnt out by superheroes because there are many, many more super-projects on the way. Besides the long list of planned superhero films announced by DC/Warner Bros. and Marvel/Disney, both companies have several TV series either already airing or currently in the works.

One of the most recent additions to the ever-growing number of superhero TV shows is Supergirl, which will follow Krypton’s other sole survivor, Kara Zor-El as she begins to fully understand and utilize her amazing abilities. The series is being developed by Ali Adler (Chuck) and Greg Berlanti (Arrow, The Flash) and will air on CBS, finally providing the network with their own piece of the superhero pie.

CBS’ Supergirl won’t have its heroine only recently discovering her powers or learning how to keep them under wraps, but rather the 24-year-old Kara will be experienced at hiding her abilities and living unnoticed amongst ordinary humans – a notable divergence from her comic book origins.

Having Kara already an adult makes Supergirl a different brand of superhero TV show than Smallville, which focused on a young Kal-El/Clark Kent discovering his powers while juggling the typical trappings of teenage drama. In this case, Supergirl should be a series more akin to Arrow or The Flash (though any crossover with those series isn’t expected).

Further confirming that Supergirl will be a more mature series than any YA-fare, TV Line has learned of a couple character descriptions which indicate the production is seeking actresses in their early 20s. For Kara Zor-El/Kara Danvers the series is seeking a Caucasian actress between the ages of 22 to 26, and for the role of her foster sister (!), Alexandra “Alex” Danvers they’re looking for a slightly older actress, closer to 26.

Obviously, the biggest surprise here is the addition of a sister to the Supergirl mythos, and a “gorgeous, brilliant, science-minded” sister who is a little “jealous of her sibling yet also fascinated by her abilities” at that. Alex’s fascination with Kara’s unique biology eventually leads her to getting a job with a secret government organization.

The description for Kara also includes some new information about how she begins to explore using her abilities. According to TV Line, when the series begins Kara will have been suppressing her powers for about a decade, but after using her powers in public during an unexpected disaster she begins to embrace her own heroism.

It’s entirely possible that “unexpected disaster” won’t be as random as it may initially seem, and perhapsthe series will explore why someone (or some group) would have wanted to force Kara to display her powers in public. It also isn’t out of the question that the secret government organization her sister works for will end up being behind it, causing a rift between the sisters.

This is nothing but pure speculation, but it would fit that Alex’s initial jealous of her sister’s special abilities will be an ongoing theme, possibly even seeing her transform in to Kara’s arch-nemesis. Her name being only a letter off from “Lex” could also be a clue to her eventual villain-dom.

What do you think of these new character details about CBS’ Supergirl? Do you think the series is setting up the Danvers’ sister for an eventual showdown? Let us hear what you think in the comments below!
Supergirl is expected to air on CBS sometime in 2015.
Source: TV Line

manigamer · Nov 2, 2014

[h=1]‘Supergirl’ TV Cast Includes Famous ‘Superman’ Comic Characters[/h]

Starting next year, all the major television networks will have their own slice of the superhero pie: ABC has Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Fox has Gotham, NBC has Constantine, The CW has Arrow and The Flash, and CBS will have Supergirl. The CBS series comes from the minds of Greg Berlanti (Arrow, The Flash) and Ali Adler (Chuck); it will change the origin story of Kara Zor-El (a.k.a. Supergirl), the cousin of Kal-El (better known as Clark Kent/Superman).

Recently, casting on Supergirl has begun and character descriptions of both Kara and her foster sister, Alexandra “Alex” Danvers, were released. Now, the casting descriptions of four more characters have been revealed – all of which fans of Superman will recognize.

TV Line is reporting that CBS is looking for four more actors to join the cast of Supergirl as series regulars, perhaps rounding out the core cast alongside Kara and Alex. The four additions include Kara’s boss, a potential ally for Supergirl, and two possible villains.

Read the full character descriptions:

CAT GRANT | The project is eyeing females in their 40s, open ethnicity, to play the founder of CatCo, a media conglomerate that Cat built from the ground up. Kara (Supergirl’s mild-mannered alter ego) will work as a personal assistant to Cat, who is described as “J.Lo by way of Anna Wintour.”
JAMES OLSEN | In his late 20s/early 30s, open ethnicity, James is a smart, worldly and (duh) attractive photographer for CatCo. Though an alpha male, his salt-of-the-earth nature elicits a huge ol’ crush from Kara.
WINSLOW ‘WYNN’ SCHOTT | This twentysomething tech whiz/Comic-Con stalwart toils for CatCo as a programmer, unaware of his own (toying?) potential. Unware of her secret, he carries a torch for Kara, whom he lives next door to.
HANK HENSHAW | As an upstart CIA agent, Hank grew obsessed with intergalactic intel. Now in his 40s and lording over the DEO (Department of Extra-Normal Operations), he is on high alert when Supergirl reveals herself, worried that her otherworldly abilities pose a threat to humankind.

In the pre-New 52 comic book continuity, Hank Henshaw was originally a Mr. Fantastic analog that eventually became the Cyborg Superman, a villain with a robotic body designed with Kryptonian technology. However, in DC’s New 52, Henshaw is simply a scientist, so it’s unclear whether or not the Henshaw on Supergirl will in fact become Cyborg Superman (or something akin to Cyborg Superman).

Additionally, the other characters are recognizable from DC comics. Winslow Schott becomes Toyman, a villain known for creating dangerous toy-like gadgets. Jimmy Olsen is a friend of Superman’s and works alongside Clark Kent at the Daily Planet (often as a photographer). Cat Grant also works at the Planet as a gossip columnist – it’s not a far jump to a media conglomerate.

Although fans of DC may have a good idea of who each of these Supergirl characters will be based on their comic book iterations, Berlanti may not be above the use of red herrings. In the pilot of The Flash, a character resembling Professor Zoom/Reverse Flash as well as a character with the name Thawne were introduced; however, the show has given no inclination that these two characters are linked in the way they are in the comics (though it may be too early to say for sure).

With that in mind, there’s no guarantee these Supergirl characters will follow in the same footsteps as the comic book versions, but the descriptions do allude to some shared characteristics. For instance, although Cat Grant won’t have the same job as in the comics, her attitude and characterization (“J.Lo by way of Anna Wintour”) will likely be similar to that of her character in the New 52.

What do you think of these new character descriptions for CBS’ Supergirl? Will they play out exactly as we predict based on the comics or will Berlanti and Adler throw viewers a curveball?

Supergirl is expected to air on CBS sometime in 2015.
Source: TV Line [via CBM]

manigamer · Dec 3, 2014

[h=1]‘Vampire Diaries’ Actress Eyed For ‘Supergirl’ TV Series[/h]

With the world of blockbuster films well and truly conquered, it’s the small screen that comic book superheroes have set their sights on next. It’s DC Comics leading that charge, with Supergirl the first female-led series being fast-tracked following the initial success of The CW’s Arrow. It’s still hard to tell just what the CBS project has up its sleeve, but we now know one actress that may fit the network’s bill.

The changes being made to Supergirl‘s comic book origin story gave a good indication of what the producers had in mind, and now TheWrap reports that Australian actress Claire Holt (The Vampire Diaries, The Originals) is being considered for the part. It would seem that Holt’s work on The CW’s vampire-centric dramas has brought her to the attention of executive producer Greg Berlanti (Arrow, The Flash) and Ali Adler (No Ordinary Family).

With her time on The Originals at an end, Holt has moved on to NBC’s Aquarius, the in-development crime series set prior to Charles Manson’s infamous 1960s murder spree. Since one well-received role on a popular CW series has typically led to another (especially in the realm of superhero serials), Holt’s performance on Diaries and its spin-off – and the fact that she matches Kara Zor-El’s typical appearance almost perfectly - landing her in the running isn’t too shocking.

It’s worth pointing out that Holt is just one of many as-yet unnamed twentysomething actresses being screened for the role of Kara Danvers; a superpowered 24 year old woman who, after living in secret, finally embraces her alien abilities to become a full-fledged superhero. It may be some time before CBS and the producers make a final decision for their lead actress (or Kara’s foster sister Alex), but Holt is undoubtedly a major contender.

As highly coveted as the role may be, it brings with it some unique pressure. Just like the superhero properties of the big screen, the absence of leading female faces is becoming a more frequent topic of conversation. Early details imply that Supergirl will remove Superman from its universe entirely, surrounding Kara instead with a scientifically-minded older sister and a boss who blends diva with fashion icon. In other words, CBS is looking to break some ground of their very own where superhero stars are concerned.

And if Supergirl proves a success (far from a certainty, given how recent DC Comics adaptation have fared with critics and viewers), there’s no telling what Warner Bros. Television could attempt. There’s already confirmed word of a potential Arrow/Flash/Supergirl crossover somewhere down the road, so the sky may just be the limit for the actress who lands the part.

What do you think of Claire Holt’s chances? Are you a fan of her work as ‘Rebekah’ on The Originals, or is it her look that makes her a strong contender in your eyes? Is there another actress you have in mind?

Supergirl is expected to air on CBS in 2015.
Follow me on Twitter @andrew_dyce for updates on Supergirl as well as movie, TV, and gaming news.
Source: TheWrap

manigamer · Dec 10, 2014

[h=1]‘Supergirl’ TV Casting Update: Claire Holt No Longer in the Running?[/h]

Showrunner Greg Berlanti’s shared DC universe on The CW blew up recently with the two-night crossover event between The Flash and Arrow (referred to on Twitter with the rather dubious hashtag #Flarrow ), which provided a viewership boost for both shows and scored record high ratings for Arrow. The success of the crossover experiment has only intensified speculation that Berlanti might set his upcoming CBS show Supergirl in the same shared universe.

That kind of planning is some way off, however, as right now Supergirl still needs a super actress to play its title role. A number of twenty-something actresses are currently being tested, but one of first names to be revealed was Claire Holt, star of supernatural series The Originals and The Vampire Diaries, who recently exited the former show. While this might have freed up her time enough to play the lead in Supergirl, a new report indicates bad news for Holt fans hoping to see her super-suit up.

Obviously Holt was just one of several actresses up for the part of Kara Zor-El AKA Kara Danvers, and THR sources claim that she is not expected to get the part. Whether this is due to the producers being interested in someone else or due to a clash of schedules is unclear, but Holt does have other work on her plate; she’s set to star in upcoming NBC drama Aquarius, and the article also indicates that she could return to The Originals in the future. Signing up for a lead role in Supergirl would be a major commitment, so it’s possible that CBS is just looking for someone with a bit more free time.

There isn’t exactly a shortage of young, blonde actresses on TV right now so speculation as to which one is likely to end up playing Kara is pretty much a stab in the dark. It will most likely be someone that hasn’t really made a name for herself yet; prior to taking the lead role in The Flash, Grant Gustin was best known for guest-starring in a few episodes of Glee and playing Oliver Queen on Arrow was Stephen Amell’s first major role, so another newcomer is likely. With a show that’s almost certain to be effects-heavy, the chances of CBS spending a fortune to get a well-known actress in the lead are slim.

Supergirl will feature an origin story that’s slightly altered from the comic books, with Kara already an adult who has been disguising her powers for years. At the age of 24 she decides to finally embrace her abilities and become a hero, while also harboring a crush on her colleague, James Olsen.

Supergirl is expected to air on CBS in 2015.
Source: THR

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too bad

manigamer · Jan 3, 2015

[h=1]‘Supergirl’ TV Show Casting News ‘Soon’; More Rumors Emerge[/h]

The Vampire Diaries star Claire Holt is reportedly out of the running for the lead role in CBS’ upcoming comic book show Supergirl, which means that it’s once again a mystery which actress will be playing Superman’s cousin. Kara Zor-El, formerly of Krypton, is in her mid-twenties when the show begins and has already been on Earth for long enough to know how to hide her abilities. She does so diligently until an unexpected disaster pushes her to embrace her superhuman status.

Supergirl‘s showrunner is Greg Berlanti, who is currently best known for being in charge of both Arrow and The Flash on The CW. There’s been talk of Berlanti’s third DC comics-based show joining the previous two in their shared universe, but that talk might be premature considering we don’t even know who will be playing Kara yet.

Supergirl‘s casting director David Rapaport recently teased the upcoming show on Twitter with the promise “She’s coming soon,” and UK tabloid The Sun claims to have insider knowledge of one of the actresses being considered. According to the report, British soap star Gemma Atkinson is up for the lead role in Supergirl. The Sun’s source, who is apparently someone close to Atkinson, said that, “Gemma is a huge fan of comic books so this is something she’d jump at. It will make her huge Stateside.”

Atkinson is probably best known for playing Lisa Hunter on the long-running soap opera Hollyoaks between 2001 and 2006, and more recently played paramedic Tamzin Bayle on hospital soap opera Casualty. She has also had a career as a glamor model and appeared on several reality TV shows, including I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

Gemma Atkinson in ‘Casualty’

There are a few reasons that this rumor should be taken with a massive grain of salt. For starters, tabloid newspapers like The Sun aren’t exactly the most reliable source for casting news (though they’re very good at coming up with rumors). Then there’s the fact that Atkinson is 30 and Kara is supposed to be 24, which could become a real issue if the show goes on for more than a few seasons. The blonde hair and blue eyes make her a good fit, but not much else.

The Sun also claims that Atkinson is up for a role on British soap opera Emmerdale, which seems a bit more likely. If Rapaport’s hint is be taken at face-value, though, we may have a more definite update on the situation sooner than later.

Supergirl is expected to air on CBS in 2015.
Source: The Sun

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This is her,more like power girl no

NSFW

Spoiler: show

manigamer · Jan 12, 2015

[h=1]‘Supergirl’ Producer Talks Casting, Tone & ‘Arrow/Flash’ Crossovers[/h]

It may reveal just how fickle comic book fans can be, but the fact remains: these days, a single superhero TV show just isn’t enough. Fans want crossovers, and now that The Flash and Arrow have used one to great success you can bet the networks want them every bit as much. That means that before she even hits the air, fans everywhere are already trying to set Supergirl up with her CW colleagues.

With executive producer Greg Berlanti overseeing both CW shows and Supergirl for CBS, the talk of potential planned crossovers began immediately. Since CBS and Time Warner both having a stake in the The CW, the chances of seeing Kara Zor-El take a trip to Starling or Central City seems like more than just a pipe dream. But first, Supergirl needs to find its leading lady.

At the winter Television Critics Association event, the assembled press continued to press the network’s executives on what crossover plans, if any, are being put into place. Proving that DC is nowhere near as secretive as its Marvel counterparts, the network has confirmed that Arrow/Flash crossovers are now an annual event, and an Atom spinoff is being discussed – but what about Supergirl?

When asked by IGN about the current state of casting the female fury, Berlanti explained that the secrecy should be lifted soon - and that fans shouldn’t expect a grounded Arrow take over The Flash‘s fantasy:

As with all these things, there’s only one person, right? That’s the thing. I can’t imagine someone other than a lot of our actors playing these roles so I feel like you’re always just looking for who’s that person… I hope you’re going to hear about casting soon or we’re not going to be able to make the pilot!
I would say, tonally closer to Flash than Arrow. That’s probably the best way to say it.

Berlanti’s description might seem a bit obvious, given the wealth of metahumans on The Flash as opposed to the darker Arrow. That’s also a major reason why adding Supergirl to CW’s shared universe has seemed such a risk to this point: overlapping the powers of Barry Allen and Kara Zor-El is feasible, but how could Oliver Queen’s quiver measure up to a Superman-level powerhouse?

But his comparison to The Flash seems to be based on more than just a metahuman presence. As the Arrow/Flash crossover showed, producers Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg and Geoff Johns managed to add a lighter, more romanticized dimension to their DC Comics universe with little trouble. According to Berlanti, CBS’ version of Kara will be following a similar path:

The nature of the character is a bit [more romantic], and who we have in her life and who we’re surrounding her with. Also, tonally, I thought of those kind of characters as [strongly] DC Universe and I’m sure Geoff [Johns] would agree. And they both died in Crisis of Infinite Earths! So they’re similar.

Thankfully, the characters Kara will be surrounded with aren’t as much of a mystery as the lead actress. The move to include famous “Superman” characters implied that Berlanti and producing partner Ali Adler were looking to adapt much of the Superman story, but placing Kara at its center. These new comments might imply a romance between Kara and Jimmy Olsen is in the cards, but that will depend on the audience CBS is hoping to court.

Of course, the question of crossovers must be asked at every opportunity. Without confirming or denying a plan in place, Berlanti promises that he would love to see the crossover happen as much as anyone:

So much has to go right for us to be able to make a great show. Again, I think of myself as like, if I were watching them, I would want to see that. But we have to get so many things right to make a good show and so much of it is luck, unfortunately.

It would be wise for all to take Berlanti’s warning to heart: if a Supergirl crossover is going to be worthwhile for The CW, it needs to stand firmly on its own network first. While thrilling for fans to imagine what could lie months, or even years down the line, those actually tasked with building a Supergirl show that’s built to last, patience is a virtue. And a bit of luck, apparently.

Supergirl is expected to air on CBS in 2015.
Source: IGN
Follow Andrew Dyce on Twitter @andrew_dyce

manigamer · Jan 13, 2015

[h=1]CBS’ ‘Supergirl’ TV Show Will Be ‘Closer To Flash Than Arrow’[/h]