Actor Neil Jackson, who plays the villain Icicle on DC's new series Stargirl, has revealed that the character thinks similarly to Marvel's Thanos. Stargirl recently made its debut on both the DC Universe streaming service and the CW network, where it has received glowing reviews from critics and audiences alike. However, showrunner Geoff Johns has revealed that he's had to cut scenes from the show in order to comply with the CW's 42-minute broadcasting slot. In order to see those missing scenes, viewers must watch the show using the DC Universe streaming app, where the show is also located.
Stargirl focuses on a teenager named Courtney Whitmore (Brec Bassinger), who discovers that her stepfather Pat Dugan (Luke Wilson) is hiding a secret about his past. As a result, she is led down a path where she ultimately becomes the first in a new generation of superheroes. In the show's first few episodes, the series has introduced audiences to some of the nefarious members of the Injustice Society of America, including Henry King Sr./Brainwave (Christopher James Baker), Steven Sharpe/The Gambler (Eric Goins), William Zarick/The Wizard (Joe Knezevich), and Jordan Mahkent/Icicle (Neil Jackson), their leader. Though Icicle appears to be the show's main villain, it's most recent episode gave him a sympathetic backstory in order to flesh out the character.
In an interview with TVLine, series star Neil Jackson expresses how his villain Icicle can be compared to Marvel's Thanos in regards to his master plan and way of thinking. When asked if the character's plan for "Project: New America" is sinister, he states,
"No, it’s an extension of [the first prong] but using powers. That’s the best way I can say it. And the greatest sort of comparison I can make is Thanos. Thanos isn’t a villain; Thanos thinks that by indiscriminately destroying 50 percent of the universe’s population he will make everyone who survives far better off as a result. Now, that’s not what Jordan is doing, but the idea is still the same. He is going to cause change that some people won’t agree with, but ultimately they’ll realize it’s for the best."
Since making his debut on Stargirl, the series has gone to great lengths not only to flesh out Icicle, but to show why he's a force to be reckoned with. The show's most recent episode culminates in a showdown between the villain and Stargirl, which concludes with an unexpected, heartbreaking death for one of the series' characters. In addition, the episode ends by confirming a villain fan theory regarding the son of Icicle. Though the series has been slowly revealing the Injustice Society of America, it has also begun to set up another possible evil lineup for Stargirl season 2.
The series has proven to be a breath of fresh air within the overcrowded superhero genre. Not only does the show provide ample entertainment and impressive production values, but its done a terrific job establishing the heroes and foes without painting them with a two-dimensional paintbrush. Jackson's Icicle has been given surprising depth thus far and its easy to see the comparisons to Thanos as his plans begin to take shape. Fans can decide for themselves if Icicle would see eye to eye with Thanos as they continue to watch the villain on Stargirl this season.
Source: TVLine