Stargirl producer Geoff John penned an open letter on the personal significance of the series to read before watching the show.
In May, DC Universe will debut Stargirl for subscribers and Warner Bros. Television has sent advanced copies of the first three episodes for the press to review. The production company also sent an open letter penned by co-showrunner Geoff Johns for viewers to read before watching the new series.
In the letter, Geoff Johns recounts the personal connection he has to the Stargirl character, whom he created for the comics and based on his late sister, Courtney. The letter is filled with emotional and heartwarming stories, including a wonderful gesture by Superman director Richard Donner, and concludes with Geoff Johns thanking everyone involved with the series for bringing Stargirl to life.
You can read Geoff John’s full letter below:
To Everyone About To Watch Stargirl –
I know you have real life concerns to deal with, as we all do, so if you are watching these I hope it’s to take a break from it and I’d encourage you to watch Stargirl with your family. It’s what the show was created for and what the show is about — and, quite frankly, right now is the time to be with family.
My entire career began with heroes. A cold call to Superman director Richard Donner’s office landed me an internship that eventually led to me being Dick’s assistant in 1996. During that first year working for him, my sister – Courtney – was killed in the TWA flight 800 disaster. Courtney was on her way to France as a foreign exchange student. She was 18. She was smart, funny and endlessly enthusiastic. Dick bought my ticket home to Detroit and told me I would have a job waiting for me in Los Angeles whenever I was ready to come back. That fall, we shot a film called Conspiracy Theory in New York. He invited my parents to the set and put them in the movie. It was the first time I remember them smiling and having fun since my sister’s death. Dick was my hero for that.
A year later, I sold my first comic book proposal to DC Comics. It was called Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E.. The premise, which is also the premise of the show, was that teenager Courtney Whitmore’s mother, Barbara, marries mechanic Pat Dugan and Courtney (reluctantly) moves with them from Los Angeles to Nebraska. In Nebraska, Courtney discovers that her new step-father used to be a superhero sidekick and steals his partner’s old stuff, taking it for a joy ride. Ultimately, Courtney takes on the mantle of Stargirl and Pat is forced to come out of retirement and becomes a sidekick to his step-daughter as S.T.R.I.P.E. It is a story about how family is created by bond, not blood. Stargirl was, obviously, named after and inspired by my sister, Courtney. It is her spirit and optimistic energy that I wanted to put back in the world with Stargirl. It is celebratory, forward-looking and positive. And I hope that comes through when you watch these episodes.
I’ve written a lot of superhero stories in my career, but this is by far the most personal on every level. The cast, crew and everyone involved has given their talent and passion to bringing Stargirl to life and I couldn’t be more grateful for them. I think their hard work paid off and, at the very least, I hope you smile a few times while you watch Brec Bassinger, playing Courtney, and Luke Wilson, playing Pat, take up their mantles individually and together.
I apologize for the length of this “introductory” note. Weeks ago, I had thought it would be a simple paragraph or two. But now, I almost feel apologetic for assuming you have the time to watch Stargirl. Again, thank you, and if anyone wants to talk further about the show, I’d be happy to.
Best to you and your family –
Geoff Johns
What do you think of Geoff Johns’ letter? Let us know in the comments section below!
Here is the official synopsis for Stargirl:
High school sophomore Courtney Whitmore who inspires an unlikely group of young heroes to stop the villains of the past. This new DC Universe series reimagines Stargirl and the very first superhero team, the Justice Society of America, in a fun, exciting and unpredictable series premiering in 2019, produced by Warner Bros. Television, Mad Ghost Productions and Berlanti Productions.
Stargirl stars Brec Bassinger as Courtney Whitemore, Joel McHale as Starman, Luke Wilson as Pat Dugan, and Meg DeLacy as Cindy Burman. The series also stars Amy Smart, Trae Romano, Cameron Gellman, Yvette Monreal, Anjelika Washington, Meg DeLacy, Neil Jackson, Jake Austin Walker, Christopher James Baker, and Hunter Sansone. Geoff Johns will write and executive produce the 13-episode first season of Stargirl while Sarah Schechter and Arrowverse boss Greg Berlanti will also serve as executive producers on the series.
Stargirl is scheduled to premiere on DC Universe on May 11, 2020, before airing on The CW on May 12.
