TV shows based on famous superheroes can go one way or another. While The CW found the right formula for "The Flash" and "Arrow," NBC's "Constantine" was not as lucky as it was cancelled after its first season. But CBS is more than ready to take on the superhero genre as it is about to debut "Supergirl" this fall, and while the cast and crew are optimistic about viewers' reception of the new series, they also know that fans of the character have high expectations of the new show.
Speaking to IGN during the CBS Upfront event, the show's main cast members Melissa Benoist (Kara Danvers/ Supergirl), Chyler Leigh (Alex Danvers) and Mehcad Brooks (James Olsen) talked about their roles in the new series.
Benoist acknowledged right away how high the expectations are for the show, saying, "There's a lot of pressure, but the good kind to just blow everyone out of the water and inspire people."
Brooks said that being on the show is "a dream come true" but knows how important it is to be mindful of the original DC story while CBS gives its own interpretation of it.
"We have to respect the world we're stepping into but also bring our own voice to it," said Brooks. "That's exciting, doing that juggling act and trying to have a good time and not be stressed about it."
Meanwhile, several spoilers from the leaked pilot which appeared on several torrent sites last month have already begun to circulate, and among them is the reason why Supergirl was sent to Earth. Kara's parents sent her with baby Kal-el to watch over him. But upon leaving Krypton, Kara was thrown off course, and she ended up being trapped in space for 24 years, while Kal-el, later renamed Clark Kent by his adoptive parents, grew up in Smallville.
This was also mentioned by Benoist in the interview and the actress said that her character will feel that she has a lot to live up to because Superman is so well-loved by the people.
"I think part of her thinks Earth already had a hero," said the "Glee" alum. "It's been 24 years and she comes to Earth and Superman, who was a baby then, is now grown … and she feels like she won't live up to what he has created himself."
'Supergirl' premieres on CBS on Oct. 26.
