While Supergirl may have broken our hearts and our trust following a season 3 finale that lacked closure and cohesion, they’ve given us hope with their newest addition for its fourth season.
Transgender actress Nicole Maines has been cast as Nia Nal aka Dreamer — television’s first transgender superhero — in Supergirl season 4, it was announced at the show’s Comic-Con panel. That’s right. A transgender woman will be playing a transgender role on Supergirl, and it’s just glorious.
Supergirl also announced two additional castings, including April Parker Jones as Colonel Haley and David Ajala as Manchester Black. We’re already living for the diversity that Supergirl is bringing to its fourth season.
Here’s a breakdown of the three new faces in Supergirl season 4:
- Nia Nal (Nicole Maines) is the newest addition to the CatCo reporting team. A soulful young transgender woman with a fierce drive to protect others, Nia’s journey this season means fulfilling her destiny as the superhero Dreamer (much like Kara came into her own as Supergirl).
- Hardline career military woman Colonel Haley (April Parker Jones) lives and dies by the orders of her commanding officers. Dedicated to her country, she always acts in its best interest — even if it’s not her own.
- Based on the iconic DC character, Manchester Black (David Ajala) is the type of guy who brings a knife to a gunfight and still walks away the winner. With a dark past, he easily deflects the brutality of his mission with his charm and sense of humor.
These three new cast members join the previously announced new series regulars Jesse Rath (who plays the Legion of Super Heroes’ Brainiac-5) and Sam Witwer (who will play Agent Liberty).
Supergirl season 4 premieres Sunday, Oct. 14 at 8/7c on The CW.