Supergirl type TV Show network The CW genre Superhero Where to watch Close Streaming Options

Another Lois Lane is coming to Supergirl!

EW has learned that Smallville alum Erica Durance has joined the cast of the CW super series for a recurring arc — but not as the intrepid reporter! Durance will be taking over the role of Kara’s (Melissa Benoist) late mother, Alura, from Laura Benanti.

Benanti had a huge presence early in the show’s run as both Alura and her twin sister Astra, the main villain of season 1, but before her evil plans could come to fruition, Astra was killed off because of Benanti’s busy Broadway schedule. The actress did return for a brief appearance in an early season 2 episode, but hasn’t been seen since.

“Unfortunately Laura, who Greg [Berlanti] and I have worked with for years going back to Eli Stone, was unable to continue in the role due to work commitments in New York,” executive producer Andrew Kreisberg says. “But we are so blessed that Erica has come aboard to offer her own interpretation of Kara’s mother. We had tremendous success with a former Lois Lane last season with Teri Hatcher. We know Erica will continue the proud tradition of legacy actors joining our shows and creating new and exciting takes on classic DC characters.”

Durance, who most recently starred on Saving Hope, joins other legacy Supergirl castings including Hatcher, Helen Slater, Dean Cain, Lynda Carter, and fellow Smallville alum Laura Vandervoort.

Supergirl will return Monday, Oct. 9 at 8 p.m. ET on The CW.