SMALLVILLE’s Erica Durance Joins SUPERGIRL in Major Recasting

Supergirl has made a habit of casting actors from past Superman-based films and television shows. Dean Cain (Superman in Lois & Clark) and Helen Slater (Supergirl from the 1984 movie) play Kara’s adoptive parents, while Teri Hatcher (Lois Lane in Lois & Clark) played the villainous Rhea. Now, a major actor from Smallville has joined, but there’s a big twist.

It has been announced (via TV Line) that Erica Durance, who played Lois Lane on The CW’s Smallville, has been added to Supergirl, which began production on season three this past week.

Durance will play Kara’s late biological mother, Alura, who was originally played by Laura Benanti in the show’s first two seasons. But due to scheduling conflicts, the series opted to recast the role of Alura.

Executive producer Andrew Kreisberg had this to say about the decision. “Unfortunately Laura, who Greg [Berlanti] and I have worked with for years going back to Eli Stone, was unable to continue in the role due to work commitments in [New York]. But we are so blessed that Erica has come aboard to offer her own interpretation of Kara’s mother. We had tremendous success with a former Lois Lane last season with Teri Hatcher. We know Erica will continue the proud tradition of legacy actors joining our shows and creating new and exciting takes on classic DC characters.”

Stay tuned for more casting news as we have it.

Supergirl will return on Monday, October 9th at 8 PM EST on The CW.