Courtney Whitmore’s stepfather has been cast on DC Universe’s upcoming Stargirl original series. According to The Wrap, Luke Wilson has been tapped to play Pat Dugan, the former sidekick of the Star-Spangled Kid. When he was a teenager, Dugan went by the codename Stripesy. As an adult, Dugan is the pilot of the S.T.R.I.P.E. armor, which stands for Special Tactics Robotic Integrated Power Enhancer. In the comics, Courtney became Stargirl after learning about her stepfather’s heroic legacy. In turn, he took on the S.T.R.I.P.E. identity to keep an eye on his stepdaughter and help her grow into her role as a heroine.
According to showrunner Geoff Johns, he had Wilson in mind for the role of Pat Dugan when he wrote the original Stars and S.T.R.I.P.E. comic in 1999.
“When I first moved to Los Angeles in 1996 and saw Bottle Rocket, I became a huge fan and admirer of Luke’s,” said Johns. “And I literally wrote this part for Luke, hoping that someday and somehow he’d play Pat Dugan. I only envisioned him. And now I feel like I won the lottery! Luke’s talent, humor, compassion — his presence and professionalism — and his creative collaboration, his ideas — we’re so lucky to have him alongside Brec in Stargirl.”
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Brec Bassinger is headlining the series as Courtney/Stargirl. Ex-Community star Joel McHale was previously cast as the Star-Spangled Kid, although the new show refers to him as Starman. Several members of the Justice Society are also slated to appear in the series. That includes Lou Ferrigno Jr. as Rex Tyler/Hourman, Henry Thomas as Charles McNider/Dr. Mid-Nite, and Brian Stapf as Ted Grant/Wildcat.
As for the villains, a few have already been cast. Neil Hopkins will play Sportsmaster, with Joy Osmanski as Tigress, and Nelson Lee as Dragon King. On the series, Sportsmaster, Tigress, and Dragon King will be a part of the Injustice Society.
Stargirl is expected to begin production this year, but a premiere date has not been announced.
Are you excited about Luke Wilson’s role in the Stargirl series? Let us know in the comment section below!