DC Universe’s ‘Stargirl’ Casts Brec Bassinger in Lead Role

DC Universe is set to produce an all-new Stargirl series, welcoming Brec Bassinger as the titular lead role.

Nickelodeon’s School of Rock actress will be bringing to life the role of Courtney Whitmore, a character created by the new show’s Executive Producer Geoff Johns. Stargirl’s character was created in 1999 based on his own sister who died in a plane crash in 1996.

In the new official character description (via EW), Courtney is a kind, athletic, smart high school sophomore who moves from LA to Blue Valley, Nebraska after her mother remarries. With her struggle to adapt to a new place, she discovers that her new stepfather used to be a superhero sidekick. She then “borrows” the cosmic staff of her stepfather’s superhero and takes on the hero persona of Stargirl to fight bad guys and eventually inspire other young heroes.

Stargirl is Johns’ most prized character. He said in a statement that he could not imagine any other actor to take on the role than Brec Bassinger. “Brec’s warmth, strength, humor, and positive energy are core to who Courtney Whitmore is. I’m so grateful she’s signed on for the role,” Johns added.

Bassinger previously starred in Nickelodeon’s Bella and the Bulldogs, Hulu’s All Night, and will appear in the upcoming film Saturday Night at Starlight. She is the third to portray Stargirl on a television series. Britt Irvin took on the role in Smallville and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow had Sarah Grey portray her for two episodes during season three.

Stargirl will also be joined by executive producers Sarah Schechter and  Greg Berlanti, and produced by Berlanti Productions and Mad Ghost Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television. Johns will write the first episode.

Its debut is set to premiere in 2019.