Supergirl makes the switch from CBS to The CW with season two, joining the network’s roster of comic book-inspired superhero shows that includes Arrow, The Flash, and Legends of Tomorrow. The move is a natural fit for Supergirl and hopefully signals an increase in the amount of crossovers we’ll see taking place among the four series. During our roundtable interview with Supergirl star Melissa Benoist at this year’s San Diego Comic Con, she told us that the network switch hasn’t really affected the series, describing this season’s scripts as both vibrant and fun.
Melissa Benoist Interview:
There was a terrific scene in season one of Supergirl flying in to help a girl who was bullied. Will she still have time to have moments of kindness like that in season two with everything that’s going on?
Melissa Benoist: “If she didn’t, I would be worried. I think that’s a priority for her.”
Will Kara’s new job affect her ability to be Supergirl?
Melissa Benoist: “What I love on the show is that there’s a constant ebb and flow, and this movement of scales in Kara’s life. Maybe when she feels secure and extremely confident in the Supergirl side of her life, she doesn’t feel so great about her career or her relationship with Miss Grant. So I think there’s a constant symbiotic relationship that she’s always exploring.”
When they told you Superman (played by Tyler Hoechlin) was finally coming to the show, what was your reaction?
Melissa Benoist: “I think it’s about time. I think every interaction that Kara had with Clark last season never felt like it was enough for me. I always wanted them to actually be in person. They’re family, you know? It’s incredible that we get to see those two characters side-by-side.”
How are you finding the Supergirl world versus the Glee world?
Melissa Benoist: “It’s two totally different beasts. The Gleeks are incredible fans and still so supportive even years after the show’s been cancelled. But, I don’t know. It’s the same amount of love and support. It’s the same amount of positivity from both worlds, but Supergirl‘s been around a lot longer. I think there are many more devout fans who’ve been reading the comics their whole lives.”
Have you noticed any discernible difference switching networks?
Melissa Benoist: “No, I haven’t. You know, I think that we really kind of honed in on what we love about all these characters last season. I do think we’re gearing towards a younger audience now. The scripts I’ve read have felt more vibrant and rich and fun, and just we’re delving more into what we loved doing last year – all of the things that we really felt like hit. But I don’t think the tone has really changed too much.”
Chyler Leigh said the first two episodes of season two start off with a bang. Does that mean there are lots of stunts for you?
Melissa Benoist: “I’m sure I’ll be doing a number of stunts – some of them I might not be quite ready for.”
Did they tell you what was in the rocket?
Melissa Benoist: “Yeah, I know what’s in the rocket. I’m not telling any of you.”
Did you already know or did you have to wait to find out?
Melissa Benoist: “I waited until… I found out maybe a week before I got the script.”
Is whoever is in the rocket going to be taking on a mentor role, whoever it is?
Melissa Benoist: “That’s a good question that I can’t give you the answer to. That was a good question.”
What were your favorite things about the first season?
Melissa Benoist: “I think a lot of it has to do with the joy and the positivity and the brightness that the show found, and the humor. I think we just want to have more fun, and there are certain things that we have more fun doing than others. We like fighting together. I think we are a really good team and there’s going to be a lot more of that.”
Watch the full Melissa Benoist interview:
(Interview by Fred Topel. Article by Rebecca Murray.)
This post was last modified on August 9, 2016 8:34 pm