10 TV Shows That Recast Major Characters (For The Better)
1. Alura Zor-El - Supergirl
The role of Supergirl's (Melissa Benoist) mother Alura Zor-El was initially played by Laura Benanti throughout the show's first and second seasons, before The CW announced that Benanti's theatrical commitments prevented her from reprising the role for season three and beyond.
As a result, she was ultimately replaced by Erica Durance, best known to comic book fans for her feisty performance as Lois Lane in the Superman TV series Smallville.
Though Benanti did a decent enough job playing Alura, Durance just brought more charm and personality to the part, to say nothing of the sheer meta joy of the actress playing another iconic live-action DC role.
By comparison, Benanti was occasionally a little flat, while Durance totally knocked the role out of the park.