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.

Supergirl Comic New 52 Smallville Supergirl Offers Advice for CBS Actress

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? Sound off in the comments below with your suggestions.