The Arrowverse has introduced many legendary components of DC canon over its five-year tenure, maybe none as exciting as what looks to be coming down the pike in Supergirl season three: the Legion of Super-Heroes! When we visited the Supergirl set in Vancouver this week, we attempted to uncover the secrets of The CW smash hit’s newest addition.
Originally introduced in Adventure Comics #247, the team has over 60 years of history and is a staple of the DC Universe. Created by Otto Binder and Al Plastino, the Legion was originally a group of ragtag time-travelers who were closely connected to Superman’s plucky teenage iteration, Superboy. The team has gone through many changes over the years, including numerous reboots and reimaginings, so it was only a matter of time before they joined one of DC’s live action adaptations.
The Legion of Super-Heroes’ inclusion in Supergirl has long been suspected by fans as cast member Mon-El has been on the comic book roster of the classic team. Now with the casting of both Jesse Rath (Brainiac 5) and Amy Jackson (Saturn Girl), it’s all but confirmed that we’ll see the Legion of Super-Heroes on our screens very soon! During our set visit, the cast and crew were tightlipped, but teased at the team’s arrival this season.
For the show’s star, Melissa Benoist, introducing such an iconic element is an exhilarating prospect. “I don’t wanna tease too much, but the fact that the Legion is coming to the show, it has such a hold on the comic book world,” Benoist said. “Especially with Superman, Supergirl, and Martian Manhunter. It’s really exciting for us. For Kara, it’s a brand new set of problems that you’ll see pretty quickly!”
As fans of the show may know, this also means the return of Kara’s first love, the alien who broke her heart: Mon El. That reunion will play a big part in Kara’s experience with the Legion. “It’s pretty mysterious,” Benoist continued. “I think this season we’ve really delved into a different tone and atmosphere for Kara. She’s really figuring out how to own her alien-ness, and in turn I think she’s finding her womanhood at the same time. It won’t be the reunion you expect.”
David Harewood (Martian Manhunter) went on to explain the impact the team’s arrival will have on his character, stating that the Legion has a “big effect” on J’onn.
The addition has also had a pretty big effect behind the scenes. “This season we’ve had some really challenging builds, like the Legion’s spaceship,” said SFX coordinator James Paradis, a veteran who’s also worked on Interstellar, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and another DC Comics adaptation, Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. “When you guys see it you’ll totally pick up on some cool design points in it.”
We can’t wait for the team to finally make their appearance! Are you excited to see the Legion finally hit the world of live action? Happy for Mon-El to finally get his dues?? Let us know in the comments!
Images: DC, CW
