CBS’ “Supergirl” has tapped Iddo Goldberg for the role of Red Tornado, Variety has confirmed.
The character is described as “the most advanced android the world has ever seen. Designed by scientist T.O. Morrow for the U.S. Army as the ultimate superweapon, he soon becomes sentient, posing a grave danger to National City — including the people Supergirl (Melissa Benoist) cares about most.”
In DC Comics canon, Red Tornado eventually overcomes his programming as Morrow’s weapon to become a hero and Justice League member — it remains to be seen whether the “Supergirl” iteration will follow a similar trajectory. According to ComicBook.com, which first broke the news of Goldberg’s casting, the actor will portray both Red Tornado and Morrow, with the site describing the character as “Dr. T.O. Morrow (aka Red Tornado).”
Producer Greg Berlanti exclusively revealed to Variety that Red Tornado “has an affiliation with General Lane,” the father of Lois and Lucy Lane — which lines up with the character description’s mention of Morrow’s connection to the U.S. Army. While General Lane has yet to be cast, daughter Lucy will be played by “Witches of East End” star Jenna Dewan-Tatum. “Supergirl’s” freshman season will also feature Peter Facinelli as Maxwell Lord, “True Blood’s” Brit Morgan as DC villain Livewire, and Chris Browning as another DC antagonist, Reactron. Kryptonian villain Non will also make an appearance in season one.
Goldberg’s previous credits include WGN America’s “Salem” and Netflix’s “Peaky Blinders.”
“Supergirl” premieres Monday, Oct. 26, at 8:30 p.m. on CBS and moves to its regular 8 p.m. timeslot on Nov. 2.
