Supergirl star Melissa Benoist recently previewed what she’s most excited for in the upcoming pilot.
Benoist, who will play the titular character, is particularly interested in Kara Zor-El’s accessibility as a character. “What’s so wonderful about her is that she is such a relatable character, amongst her powers,” Benoist says.
“What I’m the most excited about is telling a story about a human being really realizing their potential and their strength, and I think that’s something that everyone will root for and want in their own lives.”
Benoist was mum on what the show’s version of the iconic costume looked like, though CBS entertainment chairman Nina Tassler called it “awesome.” The costume is being designed by Oscar winner Colleen Atwood, who also did the costumes for Arrow and The Flash.
However, Benoist did say, “It’s daunting, but that’s good. I like being pushed. I work well under pressure.”
Benoist added that she feels “so privileged” with her current successes, which, besides her casting as Supergirl, include roles in Glee and the Oscar-nominated film Whiplash. “I’m a little overwhelmed by it, to be honest.”
In other Supergirl news, the series appears to be casting a body double for Kara’s “famous cousin.” The casting notice called for someone “5’11 or taller” and “square jawed” with a “ripped physique.” Most telling about the casting notice, though, was that potential body doubles were asked to send their application in an email with the subject line “SUPERMAN.”
Benoist heads a cast that so far includes Mehcad Brooks as Jimmy Olsen, Laura Benanti as Alura Zor-El, and Calista Flockart as Cat Grant.
CBS has already given Supergirl a series commitment.