Key Takeaways:
– Melissa Benoist originally auditioned for the role of Thea Queen in the CW show ‘Arrow' but was passed over for Willa Holland.
– Despite not getting the role in ‘Arrow', Benoist made a positive impression on casting director David Rapaport.
– Rapaport later reached out to Benoist for ‘Supergirl', leading to her landing the part after a stringent audition process.
– The actress's portrayal of Supergirl was largely applauded, and the future of the character appears promising with the casting of Milly Alcock in James Gunn's DCU.
Before becoming Supergirl
Melissa Benoist, now widely recognized as the CW's Supergirl, initially auditioned for a vastly different Arrowverse character. Years prior to earning the role in her spin-off series, Benoist tried for the part of Thea Queen, also known as Speedy, in ‘Arrow'. The role, however, ultimately went to Willa Holland due to her ability to better embody the character's dualistic nature.
Thea Queen's Complexity
Thea Queen, who starts as a spoiled teen dealing with substance abuse and traumatic experiences, was not an immediate hit with fans. The character matures throughout the show, transitioning from a troubled child to a competent sidekick of the titular character – her brother, Oliver Queen.
Staying positive after the missed opportunity, Benoist's audition for ‘Arrow' still managed to impress one key individual: casting director David Rapaport. This brief brush with the Arrowverse later served as a stepping-stone towards her appointment as the Girl of Steel.
Road to Supergirl
Even though she didn't land the role in ‘Arrow', Rapaport reached out to Melissa Benoist when casting for ‘Supergirl' commenced. Despite early hesitation from the show's producers due to Benoist's limited experience, her personality shone through during the audition process. Spanning over three months with numerous screen tests, Benoist eventually won over the team and secured her spot as Supergirl.
David Rapaport, speaking about the actress, stated, “I got to know Melissa, and she seemed to encapsulate all these qualities they were looking for.”
Supergirl's Journey and Future
Benoist's performance as Supergirl was well-received, demonstrating her suitability for the role. Despite various highs and lows concerning the show itself, Benoist proved to be an ideal depiction of Supergirl. The future for the Girl of Steel continues to be positive, with talented actress Milly Alcock expected to take over the reins in James Gunn's DC Universe.
‘Supergirl' remains available to stream on Netflix, offering fans the chance to relish Melissa Benoist's applauded performance. Regardless of the character's initial reception, it is consensus that the role had, indeed, ended up in the right hands. In hindsight, Melissa Benoist's missed opportunity to star in ‘Arrow' led to her memorable stint as Supergirl, affirming that everything indeed happens for a reason.
