DC's Geoff Johns Shares the Personal Story Behind Stargirl Series

Stargirl creator and showrunner Geoff Johns penned a letter sharing the personal story behind the upcoming DC TV series Stargirl. The series is based on Johns' first published work for DC Comics, a comic called Stars & S.T.R.I.P.E. inspired by his late sister Courtney, who died in the 1996 TWA Flight 800 disaster. Stargirl, or Courtney Whitmore, was named after Johns' sister and the series served as an outlet for Johns to put the spirit and optimism his sister always had back into the world. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=who-is-dcs-stargirl&captions=true"] Stargirl is set to premiere on the DC Universe streaming service on May 11, with episodes airing on CW afterwards, but Warner Bros. Television has already sent preview screeners of the show to press. Attached with those preview screeners was a personal letter from Johns explaining his personal connection to Stargirl, and IGN received permission to share the letter for fans to read, as well. 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" If you're unfamiliar with Stargirl, read up on who this CW/DC Universe superhero is here. You can also check out a trailer from the show featuring Stargirl finding the Staff of Starman. Speaking of Starman, read up on Joel McHale's casting as the golden age character. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Wesley LeBlanc is a freelance news writer and guide maker for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @LeBlancWes.

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