Supergirl will return…
SUPERGIRL: REDUX (1984)
Director: Amy Heckerling
Screenplay by Melissa Matheson, story by David Odell and Curt Swan
Project History:
Writer Melissa Matheson, fresh from the massive success of
E.T., is called on to rewrite David Odell’s script, which now must excise the hero’s origin and expand on Kara Zor-El’s double life as both Supergirl and high schooler Linda Danvers.
Multiple directors are courted to helm the ambitious spinoff, with Ron Howard, John Carpenter, and Jeannot Szwarc making the shortlist. The producers ultimately decide to take a chance on Amy Heckerling, hot off the 1982 hit
Fast Times at Ridgemont High, to take the reins.
Production commences on
Supergirl months before the character takes her first flight on the big screen in
Superman III. Fortunately the producers’ gamble pays off, as the third film proves a sizeable hit, with critics praising Helen Slater’s performance and chemistry with Christopher Reeve, while younger viewers are captivated by the young Kryptonian’s heroic debut. Production on the spinoff wraps in August 1983.
Story:
Linda “Kara” Danvers, aka Supergirl, is settling into life on Earth with her new family, making new friends, and getting the hang of following in her cousin’s footsteps. While the life of a superhero has its perks, more than anything Kara longs to see Argos and her family again.
Her hopes seem answered when a figure from her past reemerges, promising a way to return home via a powerful Kryptonian artifact. But not all is as it seems in their quest, and dangerous battles and wicked betrayals await as Supergirl must outfox a sorceress and face the ultimate choice between returning to her homeworld and protecting her new world.
The Cast
Helen Slater as Supergirl/Kara Zor-El/Linda Danvers
Peter O’Toole as Zaltar
Faye Dunaway as Selena / Morgan Le Fey
Marc McClure as Jimmy Olson
Maureen Teefy as Lucy Lane
Kim Hunter as Dr. Eliza Danvers
Roddy McDowall as Dr. Jeremiah Danvers
Mia Farrow and Simon Ward as Alura and Zor-El
and Christopher Reeve as Superman (cameo)