Although the number of Marvel superhero films released in the past six years since they launched their cinematic universe may vastly outnumber those based on DC Comics characters, the opposite is soon to be true on the small screen. With The Flash premiering and Arrow returning for its third season on The CW, Gotham debuting on FOX, and Constantine starting on NBC, there will be more DC TV series than Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Agent Carter. It was reported yesterday that another DC character could join the ranks of small screen superheroes: Supergirl.
Contrary to the previous report, though, Michael Green (Smallville, Green Lantern) won’t be involved with the Supergirl series. Instead, the show is being developed by Greg Berlanti (Arrow, The Flash) and Ali Adler (Chuck).
Deadline is reporting Berlanti and Adler will reunite - they previously worked together on No Ordinary Family - to create the television series based on DC’s Supergirl. According to rumors reported by Deadline, the Supergirl series will be a “new interpretation” on the character and story.
As with all other DC-based shows, Warner Bros. TV will produce the untitled Supergirl project and DC’s Geoff Johns - who has been involved with Arrow, The Flash, and Gotham - is apparently involved. Adler will pen the pilot script for Supergirl and executive produce with Berlanti.
In terms of where the Supergirl series may land, E! News has reported that the project is not "expected" to air on The CW like Berlanti’s other DC shows. The series was pitched to the network, but they seemingly declined to pick it up. According to Deadline, in a couple weeks, the project will be pitched to the other major networks.
With Berlanti and Adler heading the project, rather than the previously reported Green, it seems the potential for a compelling Supergirl TV show is much higher. Berlanti has found success with Arrow, and although The Flash has yet to officially premiere, Johns has said it’s “the most faithful DC adaptation yet” offering fans plenty of hope for the new series.
If Supergirl isn't housed at The CW, fans probably can't expect to see a crossover or world-building between the three series, which may have been fun but aren't necessary for the show's success. Additionally, if the Supergirl project were to air on The CW, it may have been easier to generate a fanbase by drawing in viewers from Arrow and The Flash. But with the lack of a female-led superhero show on television, a Supergirl show at least has a lack of competition going for it.
It’s entirely possible that a Supergirl series could be successful on any network. Berlanti has enough experience under his belt to do the superheroine’s story justice, Adler has proven her chops of working with action characters, and with help from Johns, they’re sure to keep the series in line with the spirit of the comics (if not entirely faithful to the source material).
What do you think of the Supergirl TV series with Berlanti and Adler running the show? Are they the best choice?
Stay tuned to Screen Rant for more information on the Supergirl television series as it becomes available.