Melissa Benoist Cast In CBS’ ‘Supergirl’

“Supergirl’s” identity has been revealed – and a phone booth wasn’t even needed!

Melissa Benoist attends the premiere of ‘Whiplash’ on October 6, 2014 in Los Angeles (Getty)

Melissa Benoist has been cast as the lead in CBS’ “Supergirl,” AccessHollywood.com has learned.

The 26-year-old will play Zor-El in the small screen version of the DC Comics’ character.

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Zor-El, a native of Superman’s planet Krypton, escaped her home world before it was destroyed and has been concealing her powers from others while living on Earth – just like her famous cousin with the “S” on his chest.

After the character turns 24, she decides to embrace her unearthly powers and take on the hero role.

Melissa’s previous credits include two seasons of “Glee,” and two episodes of “Homeland,” along with currently appearing on the big screen in “Whiplash.”

WATCH: Melissa Benoist Makes A Splash On ‘Glee’

The one-hour drama pilot is produced by “Arrow” and “Flash’s” Greg Berlanti and Ali Adler and Sarah Schechter. The pilot, which earned a series commitment in September by CBS, will be written by Berlanti and Adler.

Supergirl was played by Helen Slater in a 1984 movie that was panned by critics and turned out to be kryptonite at the box office (pulling in just over $14 million while in theaters). The character was seen more recently on “Smallville,” played by Laura Vandervoort.

— Jesse Spero

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