Melissa Benoist Cast As Supergirl

Via Hollywood Reporter, Melissa Benoist has been cast in the titular role of Supergirl for CBS’s upcoming DC universe-inspired series.  This news comes after weeks of rumors regarding casting calls and actresses auditioning for the role.

Melissa Benoist made her debut in the 2008 feature film Tennessee.  In 2012, she would win the role of Marley Rose on Fox’s Glee after five singing-based auditions and two screen tests.  Benoist later appeared in the 2013 indie feature film Danny Collins starring Al Pacino in the titular role.

CBS’s new Supergirl series is from executive producer Greg Berlanti — the man behind The CW’s Arrow and The Flash.  The premise for the show will center around Kara Zor-El embracing her newly discovered powers:

"The hourlong drama, which received a hefty series commitment, centers on Kara Zor-El, Superman’s cousin, who was born on the planet Krypton and escaped amid its destruction years ago. Benoist will play Kara, who after arriving on Earth was taken in by a foster family, the Danvers, who taught her to be careful with her extraordinary powers (which she shares with her famous cousin, Superman).Now 24, Kara feels un-empowered, a slave to having repressed her innate abilities. She’s still pretty, but with her face hidden behind glasses and her hair pulled back, she doesn’t know it herself. An unexpected disaster forces her to use her powers in public. Energized by her heroic deed, for the first time in her life, Kara begins embracing her extraordinary abilities. She begins helping the people of her city and they soon take notice — and she’s even given a new moniker: Supergirl."

Melissa Benoist has the honor of being only the third actress to portray Superman’s cousin in a live-action incarnation.  Previous actresses to play Supergirl were Helen Slater in Supergirl (1984) and Laura Vandervoort in The CW’s Smallville starring Tom Welling as a young Clark Kent / Kal-El before he embraces his destiny as Superman.

There is no set date for the premiere of Supergirl.