Supergirl‘s cast and creators talked to us at this year’s Comic-Con about what fans can expect for Season 4, including TV’s first transgender superhero and the “Red Sun” storyline!
There was some big Supergirl news at San Diego Comic-Con this year! In a groundbreaking development, the show is introducing TV’s first transgender superhero. Transgender activist Nicole Maines will join Supergirl in the series regular role of Nia Nal, aka Dreamer. Nia is described as the newest addition to the CatCo reporting team and a soulful young transgender woman with a fierce drive to protect others. Nia’s journey this season means fulfilling her destiny as the superhero Dreamer (much like Kara came into her own as Supergirl).
The DC Super Hero series will welcome two additional new cast members for the upcoming 2018–19 season: series regular April Parker Jones as Colonel Haley and David Ajala, who will recur as Manchester Black.
Hardline career military woman Colonel Haley (April Parker Jones) lives and dies by the orders of her commanding officers. Dedicated to her country, she always acts in its best interest — even if it’s not her own. Based on the iconic DC character, Manchester Black (David Ajala) is the type of guy who brings a knife to a gunfight and still walks away the winner. With a dark past, he easily deflects the brutality of his mission with his charm and sense of humor.
These three cast members join the previously announced new series regulars Jesse Rath (who plays the Legion of Super Heroes’ Brainiac-5) and Sam Witwer (who will play Agent Liberty).
We had a chance to talk to Supergirl‘s cast and creators, as they reflected on the third season and previewed what fans can expect from Season 4 (premiering Sunday, October 14 at 8p/7c on The CW).
In our interview with EPs Jessica Queller and Robert Rovner, and they are thrilled about the addition of Nicole Maines as Nia Nal. Supergirl is all about inclusion and representation, so having a chance to push TV to tell Trans stories, portrayed by Trans people, is essential. Nia is sent to CatCo by Cat Grant, who first meets Nia as an intern at the White House. Queller and Rovner give us additional details about Nia’s superpowers (seeing the future) and her connection to the Legion of Super Heroes. This also ties in with Season 4’s overall theme about the strength of hope vs. fear, as the “Red Sun”/”Red Daughter” storyline plays out.
Queller and Rovner tell us a little about Brainy’s arc this season, as he tries to fit into a new time period with Team Supergirl. And while they hope Tyler Hoechlin will return to the show as Clark Kent, the EPs aren’t able to confirm or deny rumors.
Similarly, Melissa Benoist teased Kara’s emotional trajectory for Season 4. Interestingly, the “Red Sun” storyline is much more about “Nature vs. Nurture”… there’s no reason to assume that Red Kara will dark or evil. But she’s definitely raised/trained in circumstances different from our Kara.
Mechad Brooks took some time to reflect on the importance of Guardian being unmasked to National City as James Olsen, particularly as it fit in with experiences of racism, bullying, and excessive use of force at the hands of law enforcement. In a context where “most Black superheroes wear masks,” Guardian’s unmasking represents something new and inclusive. Mehcad tells us that in Season 4, James will deal with the fallout from Guardian’s unmasking, including some unexpected pushback, as well as support.
In our conversation with Katie McGrath, she spoke about the potential for Lena to go dark as she wrestles with being a Luthor. She gives some interesting insight into her character, discussing how Lena is a human surrounded by heroes. This could in fact be the source of further tension between Lena and Supergirl. Though, Katie tells us how, regardless, it’s a really big deal for a Luthor and Super to be friends. Instead of playing on old tropes, Lena and Supergirl don’t have to follow the same dynamic as Lex and Superman.
I also had a chance to ask about Lena’s and James’ relationship–what is it that attracts them to each other? According to Katie, “Ummm, have you seen James? You’ve met Mehcad, right?! I feel like that answers your question. Also, have you met me? So…” But more seriously, Katie thinks that the fact that James is a good man; and the fact that someone who is so close to Superman would see only good in her, is very powerful.
Chyler Leigh previewed for us what it will be like for Alex potentially balancing being a mom and a new leadership role in the DEO. Chyler also talks to us about the saying goodbye to old cast-mates, like Jeremy Jordan (Winn Schott) and welcoming new folks to Team Supergirl. Apparently, in Season 4, Alex and Brainy will develop an awkward and hilarious relationship, so that’s something Chyler is looking forward to fans seeing.
For more, make sure to check out the trailer that was debuted at Comic-Con! It gives fans a look back at some exciting highlights from Season 3, plus a taste of what is come in the show’s fourth season, including a sneak peek of new series regular Sam Witwer as iconic DC character Agent Liberty.
