When “Supergirl” launches on CBS this October don”t expect to see her more famous cousin Superman make an appearance.
Now, of course Superman is alluded to both in the trailer for the series and in the pilot that was screened at San Diego Comic Con. However, Kal-El will seemingly function as more of a faceless Charlie (of “Charlie”s Angels”) to Kara Zor-El, rather than an active mentor.
Chief Creative Officer at DC Comics, Geoff Johns, was on hand to discuss the series at this morning”s TCA (Television Critics Association) press tour.
“He will be a back-burnered life,” Johns said of Superman”s presence in the CBS series. “You won't see him exactly on screen. You will see him in the background, but he does play a part in her evolution of becoming a superhero.”
There are likely several reasons to hold Superman back. First, though the DC cinematic and television universes are separate, audience confusion is certainly possible ahead of the release of “Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice.” Additionally, it may make sense to give the allusion that her Superman may in fact be the same man that we see in the films. Though, that would potentially create several story issues. Johns declined to respond when asked if “Supergirl” is definitively separate from the DC cinematic universe, however, which is a change from his previous absolute separation stance. So it”s certainly possible that they”re leaving the door open to a link. Finally, the series will want to establish that Kara is a character that can stand on her own before brining in stunt appearances.
To that effect, producer Ali Adler concluded by saying, “We are very excited that this is the adventures of ‘Supergirl”…It's very much her point of view.”
Let us know what you think in the comments.
Do you want to see Superman in the new “Supergirl” series? Or would you find that distracting?
“Supergirl” will premiere on CBS on Oct. 26 at 8:30/7:30c.