[WWT] Laura Vandervoot flying high

Another month, another comic convention somewhere in America. Damn the fact that America, and not Australia, is comics central in the world for all my favourite English-language comics (with Japan being the centre for Jap comics and manga)!

Well, technically, Wizard World Texas is only next MONTH...but after what was a fantastic first experience at an ENTERTAINMENT Expo two months ago at Armageddon, I'd really love going to a comics-centric expo.

Anyway, here's an interview with the scorching hot Laura Vandervoot who plays Kara on the 7th season of Smallville. Have I mentioned that Channel 10 has unceremoniously (and once again without warning) cancelled showing Smallville on Saturday evenings? Outrageous. Second time you've done this Channel 10. No wonder your ratings suck overall behind Channels 7 and 9.


[WWT] LAURA VANDERVOORT FLYING HIGH
The ‘Smallville’ actress talks about settling into the role of the Girl of Steel and working with predecessor Helen Slater

By Karl Cramer

Posted November 9, 2007 10:05 AM

“Smallville’s” newest resident is lending a superpowered spark to the CW show’s seventh season. As played by Laura Vandervoort, Clark’s cousin Kara, aka Supergirl, is giving her Kryptonian kin plenty to do as she adjusts to life on Earth. Ahead of her appearance as guest of honor at Wizard World Texas, the 23-year-old Toronto native talked about getting familiar with Supergirl history and revealed what it’s like being a role model.

WIZARD: How does it feel to be the “new” character on “Smallville”?

VANDERVOORT: It was very weird. Obviously, I was nervous going into it because [the cast have] all been together for so long. I’m finally comfortable on the set with the crew and everything. Especially with “Smallville,” because I was watching it before I started. I always wanted to be part of it.

What’s your best/funniest story since getting the role?

VANDERVOORT: I don’t have anything crazy-funny. The only thing I can remember was that one day we were shooting in a bar. We just aired that episode. There was something like 100 [extras] that day. It was a scene where I am being very seductive and sexy. They were on the other actor. I turned away to do this sexy walk and I walked right into the camera and hit my head. That was a really great moment for me because everyone, all the background performers, started laughing. That’s probably the only story I have.

Ouch! Maybe that’ll make the DVD. Any fan reactions, like little girls looking up to you?

VANDERVOORT: Yeah, that’s probably the coolest part. I’ve been getting a lot of fan letters, which has been nice—people really supporting me and happy that I’m playing Kara Kent. They’ve been looking for it for a while. It was a big deal to people and they have opinions how it should be played. Everyone, so far, has been so supportive.

Did you know Supergirl growing up?

VANDERVOORT: I knew her from the “Supergirl” movie, the one with Helen Slater. I wasn’t into comic books until recently. Now that I got the role, I’ve been reading her comic books and things like that. It’s pretty new to me.

Speaking of Helen Slater, you got to act with her in the episode “Lara.” Did she give you any advice on being Supergirl?

VANDERVOORT: Well, she was just telling me that when she shot it how her life changed after the movie. People would always recognize her. She started getting offers for things. And that you’ve got to stay level-headed. She’s such a beautiful and talented woman. I hope I end up like her.

You were introduced at San Diego Comic-Con but Wizard World Texas is the first time you’re getting to meet fans up close and personal. Are you excited?

VANDERVOORT: Yeah! Really excited. I’m not sure quite what to expect but I know that it’ll be fun. I’m looking forward to it.

If they wanted to spin off Supergirl into her own series, would you be up for it?

VANDERVOORT: I think that would be great. I’d be up for that. I don’t know what they want to do. “Smallville” has got such a great following of its own, so I don’t think it’s going anywhere. If they wanted to, though, that would be great.

Did you want to say anything to the Texas fans who are coming out to see you?

VANDERVOORT: Just that I’m looking forward to meeting them. Hopefully I’ll be able to answer the questions they have about the character and the show. I’m excited to see them.

Supergirl on Smallville!

I haven't watched Smallville for a while, though through no fault of my own. Channel 10 just basically decided to stop showing the series without any warning whatsoever (just like they do with a LOT of other series, like Pirate Master). The last episode I watch was the one in which Oliver Queen (aka Green Arrow) fired off an arrow that landed on the "Indonesia" portion of the huge globe atop the Daily Planet.

Anyway, Kara Zor-El is making her debut on the new season of Smallville. Yep, that's right, the girl who will eventually become Supergirl. And man, did they choose a drop dead gorgeous actress to play her...she looks exactly like one of Michael Turner's characters jumping off the page into real life!


FALL TV PREVIEW: SMALLVILLE
Meet the new, naughty Girl of Steel

By Savas Abadsidis

Posted August 30, 2007 3:15 PM

There’s definitely something super about this girl.

Debuting on “Smallville” this fall as Clark Kent’s cousin Kara Zor-El, aka Supergirl, 23-year-old Laura Vandervoort plays the rebellious older cousin Clark never wished for. In contrast to the Boy Scout’s good guy image and hang-ups, Kara takes Smallville by storm, not entirely sure why she needs to keep her identity a secret. Just when you thought “Smallville” couldn’t take it any further, the show proves once again that there are plenty of surprises left in Kansas before Clark leaves for the big city of Metropolis.

WIZARD: Are you excited about being Supergirl?

VANDERVOORT: It’s going well. It’s pretty awesome, flying around and all that…

Were you excited when you were first cast as Supergirl?

I was outside of Toronto and got lost in the forest and sprained my ankle—all this stuff had happened when my cell phone rang and it was my agent telling me that I had to rush to L.A. for my screen test. I got to L.A. the next morning, did the screen test and waited about a week and they told me I got the role. I went home, passed out for a while and then packed, and then was on a flight for Vancouver to start shooting.

Where does your Superman knowledge come from? Were you a fan of the comics? “Superman: The Movie”? Or “Superman Returns”?

I was a fan of the Christopher Reeve movies and “Smallville” and last year’s “Superman Returns,” although I didn’t read the comics. This version of Kara is based on the new relaunched character—the new Supergirl, who appeared in Superman/Batman and in her new series. She’s much more edgy and has a lot more attitude and is a lot more rebellious than previous versions. She’s technically older than Clark; she was older than him on Krypton and then because of some sort of hyperspace accident arrives on Earth younger. But she and Clark see things very differently, as you’ll see as the series unfolds.

What about the outfit? She seems to flaunt the sexy a bit, based on the first photos.

Yeah, well, Kara really gets into music and videos and takes her cues from music artists and what she sees on TV, so those are the cues that inform her outfits. She will evolve over time.


Hurry up and fricking bring Smallville back on TV, Channel Ten. I wanna see what happens with that whole "Green Arrow tries to form the Justice League" story arc...and then the new season with Supergirl. :p