DC’s Stargirl premiered on The CW in May, 2020, and has been renewed for a second season that is slated to premiere in 2021. Based on the comics by Geoff Johns, who is also the executive producer for the series, it features a high school student who unwittingly becomes a superhero and goes on to lead others in the fight against the infamous Injustice Society of America.
Here’s a quick rundown of the heroes you’ll find in the television adaptation of the popular DC series.
Stargirl
Stargirl’s real name is Courtney Whitmore and she is the protagonist of this popular new series. Like many other interesting and relatable superheroes, Courtney was an average, everyday person until she stumbled upon something that granted her superpowers. In this case, that would be the Cosmic Staff, which was once used by her step-father’s former crime-fighting partner, Starman.
Stargirl is played by Brec Bassinger, familiar to many for her role in Nickelodeon’s Bella and the Bulldogs.
Wildcat
Yolanda Martinez becomes the superhero Wildcat after inheriting a suit that gave additional power to the original hero of that name. Something interesting about the Wildcat legacy is that Yolanda uses boxing as an outlet for her emotions, and the original Wildcat was the iconic boxer, Ted Grant.
Wildcat is portrayed by Yvette Monreal. She has also appeared in MTV’s Faking It and Rambo: Last Blood.
Hourman
The son of the original Hourman, Rick Tyler has an amulet from his father that gives him powers for one hour at a time. Rick’s parents were killed in a car accident staged by Solomon Grundy of the Injustice Society of America. Learning this sends Rick on a quest for vengeance against the villains.
Cameron Gellman plays Rick. He has also appeared in The Good Doctor and the television series adaptation of Heathers.
Doctor Mid-Nite
Beth Chapel, an awkward teenager, discovers the original Doctor Mid-Nite’s goggles at Courtney’s home and joins Stargirl’s crew of young superheroes. These goggles have Artificial Intelligence that she nicknames Chuck, and Chuck is able to provide her with all kinds of information that helps the heroes.
Anjelika Washington, who played Fareeda in Tall Girl, plays the new Doctor Mid-Nite.
S.T.R.I.P.E.
S.T.R.I.P.E. is Stargirl’s step-father, also known as Pat Dugan. Pat was once Starman’s sidekick until the Cosmic Staff-wielding hero was assassinated. His superhero name comes from his powerful suit of armor, which is an acronym for Special Tactics Robotic Integrated Power Enhancer.
With his heroic background and experience, Pat acts as a mentor to his step-daughter as she learns the ropes.
Pat Dugan is played by Luke Wilson, who was Richie in Wes Anderson’s The Royal Tenenbaums.
Stargirl is a great show both for fans who may be unfamiliar with superheroes and for fans of the original heroes that preceded this ragtag crew of high school students. This new generation of heroes comes from varying backgrounds, making them both relatable and inspiring, and shows that anybody can be a force for good regardless of what their family or past history may be like.
