Erica Durance joins The CW’s Supergirl in recast role

In a bit of a surprise, Erica Durance has been cast as Alura Zor-El and her twin Astra, taking over for original series actor Laura Bernanti.

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The decision to move Supergirl from CBS to The CW was possibly the best thing that could have ever happened to the fledgling series. The show never seemed to fit in with the rest of the CBS lineup, and suffered because of it. By contrast, Supergirl has joined the Arrowverse of shows seamlessly and has received a new lease on life.

One of the best parts of Supergirl is how they have brought in a number of actors who have had roles on film as DC superheroes in the past. Dean Cain and Helen Slater have appeared as Kara’s parents, former Wonder Woman Lynda Carter was cast as the President of the United States and last year Teri Hatcher showed up as a new super-villain.

You can now add Erica Durance to that esteemed list.

For those not in the know, Durance played Lois Lane on the immensely popular Smallville and has just wrapped up the final season of her hit series Saving Hope.

But what may come as the real surprise is the role that Durance will have once Supergirl returns for its third season.

In what can only be called something of a surprise, Durance will be taking over the role of Kara’s mother Alura Zor-El as well as her twin sister Astra.

Laura Benanti, who has played both roles since the pilot, chose to leave the show to concentrate full-time on being a mother.

https://twitter.com/LauraBenanti/status/883488259988484097

Supergirl executive producer Andrew Kreisberg spoke to Deadline about the recasting of the role and seems excited to be working with yet another former Lois Lane.

"“Unfortunately Laura, who Greg and I have worked with for years going back to Eli Stone, was unable to continue in the role due to work commitments in NY. But we are so blessed that Erica has come aboard to offer her own interpretation of Kara’s mother. We had tremendous success with a former Lois Lane last season with Teri Hatcher. We know Erica will continue the proud tradition of legacy actors joining our shows and creating new and exciting takes on classic DC characters.”"

Seeing as I was a huge fan of Durance while she was on Smallville, this news make me very happy. As far as I can see, casting her in the role appears to be a win/win for everyone. Durance is a solid actress who should be able to play both roles and hit all the right notes to satisfy the longtime fans as well as newcomers.

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Expect more news about the upcoming third season of Supergirl as well as the rest of the Arrowverse at San Diego Comic-Con International before it makes its debut in October.