The cast of the DC Comics-inspired series "Supergirl" is coming together, with a villain already in place. The heroine will be dueling with an alien convict named Vartox in the upcoming show, and the actor who got the gig as the intergalactic baddie is "The Mentalist" alumnus Owain Yeoman.
The character, who was introduced in Superman vol. 1 #281 in November 1974, has a very interesting background and his inclusion is rather perfect for the new CBS show. Vartox was introduced as Superman's pal who is relatively older than the superhero. He and his buddy share the same abilities — flying, invincibility and super strength.
Recent depictions of the character follow his quest to find a mate, which leads to the creation of the "contraceptive bomb" that makes every woman in Valeron sterile.
In "Supergirl," Yeoman's Vartox would be someone hiding on Earth for 12 years. He decides to get out of his hiding place upon learning of Supergirl's existence on the same planet.
The actor will be joining Melissa Benoist, who is set to play as Kara Zor-El/ Supergirl a.k.a. Kara Danvers in the series. The rest of the cast includes Mehcad Brooks as Jimmy Olsen, Laura Benanti as Alura Zor-El, and Calista Flockhart as Cat Grant. It will also feature Chlyer Leigh as Kara's foster sister Alex, David Harewood as Hank Henshaw, and Jeremy Jordan as Winslow Schott. Former Superman and Supergirl actors Dean Cain and Helen Slater are also said to have been chipped in for roles yet to be revealed.
"Supergirl" follows Superman's cousin Kara Zor-El, who flees from Krypton as it burned down to ashes. She kept her superpowers from everyone except her sister, but by the age of 24, Kara started to live as a superhero.
"Supergirl," produced by "Arrow" and "The Flash" executive producer Greg Berlanti alongside "New Normal" creator Ali Adler and Sarah Schechter, is expected to air sometime this year.
