'Smallville' Lands Its Supergirl

Clark Kent's long-lost cousin has been found.

Canadian actress Laura Vandervoort has landed the plum role of Supergirl for the upcoming season of the CW's "Smallville," reports People.

"She's a combination of beauty, intelligence, a certain warmth, and great attitude," says the show's co-creator Al Gough. "We've wanted a character to shake things up. She may be Clark Kent's cousin, but that doesn't mean she's going to be the obedient one!"

In June, Gough had stated that adding Supergirl would give the series the "mythic jolt" it needs heading in to the seventh season. The season premiere will introduce Kara, Clark's (Tom Welling) 19-year-old cousin born on Krypton. As the daughter of Zor-El, Jor-El's brother, Kara also has superpowers, including one that Clark has yet to develop: the ability to fly. On the more mundane side, Kara butts heads with Clark, is sweet on Jimmy Olsen (Aaron Ashmore) and draws Lex's (Michael Rosenbaum) attention.

Vandervoort was chosen Wednesday, July 11, after the creators saw hundreds of actresses for the part. The 22-year-old, who begins shooting next week in Vancouver, is best known to fans of the cable series "Instant Star" as Sadie Harrison. She's also made guest appearances in "Goosebumps," "Are You Afraid of the Dark?," "Mutant X," "The Dresden Files" and "C.S.I."

Supergirl is the latest hero to join "Smallville." Other DC Comics characters who have made appearances include Green Arrow, Aquaman, The Flash, Martian Manhunter, Cyborg and Brainiac.