Supergirl Star Explains Why The Show Is More Meaningful Now Than Ever Before

Supergirl is one of the most popular superheroes in the world, and that profile is raising even [...]

By Joe Schmidt - March 31, 2017 03:38 pm EDT

Supergirl is one of the most popular superheroes in the world, and that profile is raising even higher every week with the character starring in her own show on the CW.

Series star Melissa Benoist, who has portrayed the titular character for two seasons thus far, understands her position and is grateful for the opportunity. More importantly, she's aware of how important her role is in today's cultural climate.

Ever since Donald Trump was elected president, people have been more divisive about important issues. Benoist is cognizant of the divide but is still standing up for her beliefs, empowered by her role as an embodiment of Truth, Justice, and the American Way.

And after she posted a now-infamous picture to her Instagram page from the International Women's March on Washington in January, she's become increasingly aware of Supergirl's importance in the current cultural zeitgeist.

UP NEXT: Supergirl Season 2 To Feature a James Olsen-Centric Episode

While speaking with CBR, Benoist said that the role has become "more meaningful to me."

💪#womensmarchonwashington

A post shared by Melissa Benoist (@melissabenoist) on Jan 21, 2017 at 7:43am PST

"I had always felt a sense of responsibility to young women and girls playing this role, and to be a good influence, and to represent strength and courage and 'hope, help and compassion,' which is Supergirl's motto," Benoist said. "Being at that march definitely lit a fire under my butt, so to speak."

And aside from her portrayal of the character, Benoist also supports the direction the show itself has taken in its second season.

"I think what we've been doing on the show with Cadmus and their scary ideals, it does kind of mirror [current events]," said Benoist. "I'm really proud of our writers for taking the chance to do that. I hope we just keep going."

Supergirl is on hiatus right now but the next episode, returning April 24, will take Kara Danvers back to her journalistic roots in show titled "Ace Reporter."